The Best Part of Love in Austen Variations

Jun 23, 2016 Sheila Majczan rated it it was amazing

A reading of the published book after having read the unpublished story twice.

For those readers who like more than a straight forward romance, this is so very deliciously enthralling. It incorporates not only romance and mystery, twists and misunderstandings but also treason, betrayals, double and false identities, murder, salacious scandal and the rescuing of a certain lady in the night. We meet many of our familiar friends but also a young boy named Henry, his dog, Annie, and a titled family w A reading of the published book after having read the unpublished story twice.

For those readers who like more than a straight forward romance, this is so very deliciously enthralling. It incorporates not only romance and mystery, twists and misunderstandings but also treason, betrayals, double and false identities, murder, salacious scandal and the rescuing of a certain lady in the night. We meet many of our familiar friends but also a young boy named Henry, his dog, Annie, and a titled family with twin sons and an unassuming man named Hanley.

Elizabeth, just out in society, had gone to Bath with her Aunt Gardiner who is taking the waters after two miscarriages. There in a whirlwind courtship she marries a Lord Courtenay and is taken to Italy for a honeymoon where she becomes pregnant. They return to England and while on a trip alone to his estate Henry is murdered but buried quickly as his body is not found for several days.

Thus at the Meryton Assembly dance our Elizabeth is wealthy, titled and still mourning the loss of her husband at the hands of a murderer two years prior. However as the crime is related to a plot against the crown, she must be protected until the last of the criminals have been caught and dealt with. So a decree has been issued that no one can reveal her true identity. She is presented as Miss Elizabeth Bennet with a mother who, for some reason, looks down on any suitor for the hands of her daughters who does not possess a title. Sorry, Mr. Bingley – you don’t qualify.

So all that prejudice Darcy has against lower classes, against those without connections and pride in one’s own status are in reality laughable and in the end so ironic! With a title Elizabeth would be perfect match but he makes his classic faux pas and in an instant as she turns and passes him and looks him in the eye with a quirk of her eyebrow, Darcy is smitten. Oh, he fights it as we know from canon…BUT as you can imagine when upon returning to London and learning of her true identity and then thinking that he will immediately propose as she is “meant for him” she tosses his proposal in his face. (Sounds familiar?)

What you may find so very amusing is the fact that at one time or another in this tale both Darcy and Lady Courtenay have given permission to Lady Matlock to find a spouse for them. He needs an heir and a woman to guide Georgiana, while she needs a man to guide the next Lord Courtenay as he grows into his title. Thus as Darcy goes off to Netherfield with Charles Bingley, both Lady Matlock and her son, Colonel Fitzwilliam know whom he will meet there but say not a word. When they learn of his insult… “Oh, Darcy, what have you done?” “Fix this!”

Oh this story has so much angst and the lines delivered are so gut wrenching at times. I was warned to have my tissues at hand…so be prepared. Love gained, love lost, clues that turn up unexpectedly, and much anguish over accepting what seems to be the hand of fate to separate forever Darcy and Elizabeth.

A book to be read but at about 300 pages carve out some time.

First review was posted after reading the unpublished book from June 22 to 23, 2016. Even in rereading this the tears came and the angst had me glued to the pages. This is such a good story with some great surprises.

From the book...so sweet, "For while my experience in Hertfordshire taught me to believe in the notion of loving someone at first sight, it was not until I knew you in full that I could apprehend the notion of the best part of love." ...more

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Dec 16, 2016 Nicole Barton Sasser rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: p-and-p, jaff, author-amy-dorazio, favourites, physical-library, review-on-amazon, 2017-austenesque-lovers-challenge

Status: Read January 10-11, 2017

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5)

Review:
I was a little worried to start The Best Part of Love. I really wanted to love it, as the author is a highly-rated, beloved online fan fiction writer in the JAFF community (I tend to be a more critical reviewer and I genuinely did not want this to be all hype). As I am not keen on reading online, The Best Part of Love, as the author’s first published work, is my introduction to Amy D'Orazio.

And I was not disappointed! I thoroughly enjoye ...more

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Jan 20, 2017 Anna added it

Shelves: austenesque

Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric

The Best Part of Love by A. D’Orazio is a variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice that is so very delightfully different from the original novel but maintains the traits of the characters we know and love. In this variation, Elizabeth Bennet is Lady Courtenay, widow of Henry Warren, Earl of Courtenay. The conspiracy surrounding her husband’s death force her to be separated from her young son, and after two years of hiding and mourning, Lord Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric

The Best Part of Love by A. D’Orazio is a variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice that is so very delightfully different from the original novel but maintains the traits of the characters we know and love. In this variation, Elizabeth Bennet is Lady Courtenay, widow of Henry Warren, Earl of Courtenay. The conspiracy surrounding her husband’s death force her to be separated from her young son, and after two years of hiding and mourning, Lord and Lady Matlock impress upon her the importance of finding a second husband, one who can protect her son and his inheritance. She returns to her family’s home in Hertfordshire, where she seeks refuge for a few months before the London season, coming to terms with the reality of her new life and finding comfort in simply being Elizabeth Bennet once again.

Then Mr. Darcy accompanies the Bingley party to Netherfield, and unaware of Elizabeth’s true identity, he immediately falls in love with her. However, his seemingly endless ability to insult her at every turn and his duty to marry someone of a higher social standing pose major obstacles to his happiness, and things aren’t made any easier when he learns she is Lady Courtenay, someone worthy of his notice. Darcy embarks on a mission to improve her opinion of him and become a better man, one worthy of her notice. Meanwhile, Elizabeth must learn how to move on with her life and understand the nuances of love. But soon the truth about Elizabeth’s marriage is revealed, and their newfound happiness is shattered.

Oh, how I loved this book! It is an emotional journey, and D’Orazio makes sure readers accompany Darcy and Elizabeth through all of the ups and downs. I teared up several times while reading this book, both tears of happiness and tears of sorrow. I felt like I was there as Darcy evolved into the best of men, accepting Elizabeth’s feelings for Henry and not expecting her to forget him — and when the truth left him tortured and alone. Elizabeth’s transformation from grief to sheer joy to despair was equally well done. D’Orazio also cleverly twists the characters to account for Elizabeth’s changed circumstances, with Mrs. Bennet looking down on Mr. Bingley due to his connections to trade and wanting Jane to make a better match, Jane storming off to Netherfield in the rain to follow her heart, and Darcy being accused of setting his sights on Lady Courtenay’s fortune.

The Best Part of Love hooked me from the very first page, and there was so much scandal, danger, romance, passion, and agony that it was hard to put down. D’Orazio takes her time developing Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship, especially given his bad first impression and Elizabeth’s need to process her loss, but the novel is perfectly paced. Some readers may have a hard time with Elizabeth having been married to another man and having his child, but I urge them to put those feelings aside and dive into the book head first. The Best of Love is among the best of variations, and I expect it will have a place on my Best of 2017 list!

I received a free copy of this book for review. ...more

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May 25, 2016 Dung rated it it was amazing

Shelves: austen-inspried, favorite-austen-inspired

Had the pleasure of reading this story when it was unpublished prior and now in the published format.

If you are looking for a P&P variation with mystery, intrigue, scandal, romance, love, humor, angst, adventure, and everything in between this is a story for you.

Definitely a page turner, the author has you turning the pages and keeping you up late to find out what happened next.

Although I had read it prior my memory was a bit fuzzy on the plot. It was driving me crazy not knowing why certain ...more

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Apr 19, 2019 Staciel rated it really liked it

Shelves: jane-austen-inspired

Are you looking for a truly unique Austen variation?

This one is beloved by several Austen variation bloggers, and it is easy to see what all the fuss is about.

My four star rating comes from the fact that there were quite a few sexual situations. I have come to terms with the fact that when dealing with Mr. Darcy, I really want a lot of mystery where that is concerned. This book was a bit more 'revealing'.

If you, however, are of the opinion that Mr. Darcy can't get that cravat off fast enough, w ...more

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Jan 26, 2019 M rated it really liked it

Shelves: audible-reads

A very engaging story - 4.5 in 2019

2022 - I “re-read” via audible - unfortunately the narrator (Sarah Jane Rose) really lets the story down. I would give 4 stars to story but only 2 stars on narration.

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