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An Appearance of Goodness: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (Excessively Diverted) Kindle Edition

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 974 ratings

Can a Derbyshire meeting lead to love or will Pemberley be plunged into mystery?

In the rainy summer of 1812, Mr Darcy returns to Pemberley with a large party in the hope that coming home will help him recover from his disappointment. He lost Elizabeth Bennet’s good opinion, but Darcy did all he could to rectify his errors. Meanwhile, Elizabeth hopes that travelling with a newly-wed Jane and Bingley will raise her spirits and distract her from thoughts of Darcy.

When a misunderstanding causes the Bingley party and Darcy’s to spend a fortnight together at Pemberley, both Elizabeth and Darcy wonder if the other could love them. When the season’s wet and cold weather causes flooding throughout Derbyshire, Darcy’s attention reluctantly shifts from his guests–and Elizabeth–to managing the tragedy.

But when someone drowns and Darcy refuses to believe their death was an accident from the storm, he and Elizabeth must work together to uncover the truth before his houseguests leave, and before anyone else gets hurt.
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Content note: mature content, mild violence.

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From the Publisher

mountains, blue sky, heather, Jane Austen, variations

Heather Moll writes romantic variations of Jane Austen’s classic novels. She is known for her historical details, unique plots, and characters true to the beloved originals. Whether you want a short read, a full-length novel, regency or something a little different, she has an Austenesque happy ever after for you.

An Affectionate Heart
An Appearance of Goodness
Rising Courage
Nine Ladies
His Choice of a Wife
Without Undue Pride: A Variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice
Customer Reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,325
4.3 out of 5 stars 974
4.3 out of 5 stars 957
4.6 out of 5 stars 855
4.2 out of 5 stars 538
4.4 out of 5 stars 393
Price $4.99 $4.99 $5.99 $4.99 $4.99 $5.99
Post-Hunsford no data no data no data
Marriage of Convenience no data no data no data no data no data
Time Travel Romance no data no data no data no data no data
Forced Proximity no data no data no data no data no data
Altered Meeting no data no data no data
widowed Darcy or Elizabeth no data no data no data no data no data

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Imaginative, exhilarating, and stirring - An Appearance of Goodness is an inspiring Pride and Prejudice tale that has our beloved characters weathering brutal storms yet learning to navigate through the adversity and traverse any challenges in their path. Heather is a skilled storyteller and her understanding and admiration of Jane Austen's characters shines through on every page. I highly recommend!"

-Austenesque Reviews 4.5/5
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"With romance, drama, and a murder mystery, there is something for everyone. Moll explores another side, a kinder side, to the closed-off Mr. Darcy so get ready to have your heart warmed! [...] Heather Moll has created a story that made me grin with glee, cringe with second-hand embarrassment and hold my breath in suspense. I can't ask more from a book. "

-Sadiyah Bhamjee for Readers' Favorite 5 Stars

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09T3R9JPZ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Excessively Diverted Press (October 1, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 1, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.8 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 324 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1735186694
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 974 ratings

About the author

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Heather Moll
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Heather Moll is an avid reader of mysteries and biographies with a masters in information science. She found Jane Austen later than she should have and made up for lost time by devouring her letters and unpublished works, joining JASNA, and spending too much time researching the Regency era. She is the author of An Appearance of Goodness, An Affectionate Heart, Nine Ladies, and A Hopeful Holiday among others. She lives with her husband and son, and struggles to balance all of the important things, like whether or not to buy groceries or stay home and write.

Connect with her on social media and subscribe to her newsletter for a free story. https://www.heathermollauthor.com

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
974 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They describe it as an enjoyable read with interesting characters and chemistry between them. The story offers a fresh take on Pride and Prejudice, with clever storytelling and a well-paced courtship.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

28 customers mention "Romance"26 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book. They find the mystery engaging and well-paced, with plenty of intrigue and twists. The story takes place at Pemberley, some months after Jane and Mr. Rochester's marriage.

"...people of Lambton after a devastating storm, but the mystery didn’t detract from the story and actually fit quite well into the story...." Read more

"...There are a few new characters who are cleverly interwoven in this story to enhance Elizabeth’s realization of the man Fitzwilliam Darcy truly is..." Read more

"...for its beautiful writing, original plot, nail biting mystery and intrigue, slow burn romance, witty (and Austenesque) dialogue, and a total lack of..." Read more

"...inner doubts a few more times than I wished, but the story is ultimately very satisfying. I will look for more works by this author." Read more

16 customers mention "Readability"16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it enjoyable, delightful, and a fun read. The author keeps the reader engaged with intriguing plot elements like murder, secrets, and love. Overall, readers describe the story as satisfying and a good long read.

"...But I truly loved this variation and would happily read it again. Definitely recommend. 10/10" Read more

"...However, the remarkable and satisfying element in this variation is how much affection and love Elizabeth felt for Mr. Darcy before he proposed the..." Read more

"...What can I say? This was very, very good, and I do not give five stars without reason. It made me look up more books from the same author." Read more

"...In all, a very enjoyable read!" Read more

10 customers mention "Story quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the story well-written with a perfectly paced courtship. They appreciate the smart storytelling and characterizations of new characters. The book offers a fresh, well-written take on Pride and Prejudice with intrigue, slow burn romance, and witty dialogue.

"...It had all the makings of a truly 5 star book. The writing was excellent as it always is by Miss Moll, but I was again struck by how very true to..." Read more

"...original plot, nail biting mystery and intrigue, slow burn romance, witty (and Austenesque) dialogue, and a total lack of repeat from P&P. I love..." Read more

"This was so well written...." Read more

"...The mystery was pretty good, the writing was excellent...." Read more

9 customers mention "Character development"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They find the courtship interesting.

"...as it always is by Miss Moll, but I was again struck by how very true to character she writes ODC and how wonderfully she tells a story...." Read more

"...I also loved the addition of the new characters and the lack of Wickham, Mrs Bennet, Collins and Lady Catherine as villains...." Read more

"...The plot is intriguing and the characters are endearing...." Read more

"...Smart storytelling and characterizations of new and well-loved canon characters." Read more

3 customers mention "Chemistry"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy reading about the chemistry between the characters. They find the love story interesting and novel.

"...In true P&P fashion, ODC finally reunite and it is lovely to read their chemistry, their love, everything!..." Read more

"...The subsequent meeting of our beloved couple is interesting and novel...." Read more

"Lovely insight into Darcy..." Read more

When tragedy brings them closer…
5 out of 5 stars
When tragedy brings them closer…
When circumstances take a dire turn, will love find a way out of the tragedy surrounding them …I loved this story of what if Darcy did not return with Bingley and thus did not offer again for Lizzie before his friend’s wedding, coupled with a mystery, it makes a much entrancing tale.With Darcy’s heavy-handed proposal behind them, part of their misunderstandings has been cleared, the narrative is then low on angst, as they mostly need to readdress their change of characters and Elizabeth’s altered feelings. Darcy has acknowledged that his behavior regarding his place in society did not endear him to the woman inhabiting his dreams and his heart, Elizabeth, too, has come to realize how much she too wronged him by letting her first impression cloud her attitude, so it is mostly shame that holds her back when they come finally face to face.I liked the story introduce new characters, two not very gentlemanly fellows, both envious of Darcy’s wealth, the widow sister of one, a woman who tends toward reservation to avoid rejection.I was at first a bit surprised by this Elizabeth, especially when she has to be pinpointed the reason of Caroline Bingley’s dislike of the widow attending Darcy’s party.After some reflection, I realized Elizabeth had no prejudice against people from different origins why she did not realize at first the reason behind Miss Bingley’s slight on Mrs Lanyon’s character.Darcy, here, is shown to his full measure, a compassionate landlord, who thinks about those under his supervision before himself, ready to sacrifice his well-being to offer others means to make do. He also a man in love, with high respect for the woman he loves, why he leaves in her hands their fate. Mindful of her feelings and respectful of her choices.Darcy and Elizabeth’s romance is mostly impeded by the events preventing them to find alone time together, so when matchmakers enter the game, it is up to them to use it to their advantage.I loved the added mystery and how they band together to unmask the culprit. With their different points of view and perspectives, they patch together the key lines of the culprit’s course.An other lovely achievement.5 stars𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenesI have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2022
    I loved this variation. It had all the makings of a truly 5 star book. The writing was excellent as it always is by Miss Moll, but I was again struck by how very true to character she writes ODC and how wonderfully she tells a story. This starts with Lizzy following the Bingley’s on vacation after a few months of marriage. Elizabeth has rejected Darcy in Kent and all is true to the original except when Bingley returns it only brings him and not Darcy. So Lizzy has not seen Darcy since Kent.

    The story really gets interesting when they all meet at Pemberley for a brief stop before eventually going on to his family in Scarborough. At the house party you have all the Bingley’s and Hursts, Darcy’s, Elizabeth and three new characters which I felt went very well with the story.

    While at the house party Elizabeth’s heart and feelings are slowly turned toward Darcy. And Darcy is consumed with trying to make sure he shows Elizabeth he’s listened to her reproves and is worthy of her love if he can engage her heart. I loved the way their romance unfolded and how supporting characters helped (and didn’t help) them along. In true P&P fashion, ODC finally reunite and it is lovely to read their chemistry, their love, everything! Heather Moll was also able to include much humor despite the story turning from a slightly angsty story about couple finding love in each other to a murder mystery.

    Now normally most “murder mystery” variations I’ve read are over the top, wildly outrageous and have very convenient endings with the characters not much affected by the tragedy. This one however felt very true and real for our characters and not contrived at all. Maybe it was because it was in the midst of true tragedy for Pemberley’s master and for the people of Lambton after a devastating storm, but the mystery didn’t detract from the story and actually fit quite well into the story. Even the aftermath and the epilogue felt very real in terms of how people might feel after truly experiencing such a tragedy.

    I will only add that if you like truly clean variations this is not the book for you. Darcy and Lizzy do anticipate their wedding vows (twice and have several other cute moments together) but to them, they are already married in their eyes and see each other as husband and wife. So if that offends you don’t read it. But I truly loved this variation and would happily read it again. Definitely recommend. 10/10
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2023
    When Elizabeth Bennet is forced under special circumstances to see in close proximity the true character of the man she rejected in Hunsford, her feelings takes a swift drastic change. While Mr. Darcy, faced with the realization that he cannot live life without Elizabeth Bennet, is resolved to show her he can be a better man for her, if only the timing is right. But circumstances and events surrounding him makes it difficult to declare himself.

    There are a few new characters who are cleverly interwoven in this story to enhance Elizabeth’s realization of the man Fitzwilliam Darcy truly is and her growing esteem, respect and eventually, love for him.

    However, the remarkable and satisfying element in this variation is how much affection and love Elizabeth felt for Mr. Darcy before he proposed the second time, and how she was all too willing to go all the way to prove her love to the man she previously declared as the last man she will ever marry. Many of the lovers’ thoughts and hidden personal feelings are expressed enough to affect this reader, and their exchanges are heartwarming and romantic.

    The author is rather wordy though, and detailed on inconsequential matters. In other words, this variation could have been shorter without taking away its essence. But the details describing places and events are appreciated.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2024
    In a sea of unending P&P variations, this one stands out clearly for its beautiful writing, original plot, nail biting mystery and intrigue, slow burn romance, witty (and Austenesque) dialogue, and a total lack of repeat from P&P. I love variations that are canon up to where they begin, then splinter off. A little adventure— even better. This one also has some very romantic intimate scenes, but they are not overly graphic and could easily be skipped if you wanted to.

    I also loved the addition of the new characters and the lack of Wickham, Mrs Bennet, Collins and Lady Catherine as villains. Had enough of them, thank you!

    If I could give it 6 stars, I would. Definitely in my top 5 fav variations, and I’ve read a lot.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2024
    I loved this inventive and engaging murder mystery set in a P&P variation. The plot is intriguing and the characters are endearing. The main characters circle around their inner doubts a few more times than I wished, but the story is ultimately very satisfying. I will look for more works by this author.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2024
    I enjoy this author and look forward to her books, but this one was just not for me. To begin with, the premise that Elizabeth and Jane are growing apart because now that Jane is married, she prefers the company of Mrs. Hurst was difficult to believe. Bingley and Jane are minor characters in this tale, but no others from Elizabeth's family make an appearance. The mystery plot was interesting at first, but it did not move along very well. Most egregiously was the characterization of Elizabeth as a seductress and the several explicit scenes of her and Darcy together before they were married or even had made their engagement public. I can't believe that she would be that reckless or that Darcy would be that disrespectful to anticipate the marriage vows before even making their engagement public or asking for Mr. Bennett's permission for the marriage. It was so out of character for both of them that I had to skim the rest of the book just to see how it all resolved. I can't really recommend it for those reasons.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2025
    This was so well written. More than anything I LOVED the description of how Darcy was with his friends when at home and relaxed in an environment he knows.
    What can I say? This was very, very good, and I do not give five stars without reason. It made me look up more books from the same author.

Top reviews from other countries

  • CFra
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another excellent plot and book from Heather Moll
    Reviewed in Canada on June 17, 2023
    What a great author! I am glad to have found her work.

    This was another well written story, full of intrigue and dramatic situations, but also composed of deeply intricate characters and lovely scenes.

    Elizabeth ends up visiting Pemberley with Charles and Jane, Caroline, the Hurts, and some other friends from Darcy: a widow, her brother, and another friend. Although she was distraught at first, she got to know his personality better and after a few days, the awkwardness started to give way to admiration. After a violent thunderstorm, flooding around Pemberley and in the villages created a catastrophic situation for Darcy to manage. Charles and his family decided to leave and Elizabeth stayed with the widow and Georgiana. At that point, Elizabeth already felt for him and was sad to leave him behind in the midst of the crisis. Worse yet, someone died and the only people who could have killed them was one of his friends. While investigating the murder and tending to the crisis, Elizabeth and Darcy come to an understanding (how great was that part!).

    I loved how decisive Elizabeth was in this book, how she wasn’t afraid of showing him passion and love since she trusted and wanted him. I also really liked Mrs Lanyon’s personality and the author’s take on prejudice in that society.

    All characters were similar in personality to the original story (even though Jane wasnt so attuned to her sister), which I always appreciate.

    The book was also well edited. Sure, the predictable outcome of it being one friend or the other to commit murder was perhaps simple, but it was well written, so it was still very interesting.

    Loved it!
  • R. Ziv
    5.0 out of 5 stars highly enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 16, 2024
    This was a great read that I started and finished in a single day! Loved the new characters, the gothic style weather and of course the murder mystery.
  • Mel
    5.0 out of 5 stars An appearance of goodness
    Reviewed in Germany on December 5, 2023
    In summer, after he was refused by Elizabeth in Kent, Darcy goes home to Pemberley to recover from his disappointment. He is accompanied by some friends and awaits his friend Bingley's arrival.
    In the meantime Elizabeth travels to Scarborough with Jane and her new husband Bingley, not knowing that they are first also going to stay at Pemberley. When Bingley and his family arrive it is obvious that Darcy had not known about Elizabeth travelling with Bingley, but one thing he knows now for certain - he still loves Elizabeth. Elizabeth's opinion about Darcy soon changes to admiration and both are secretly hoping for a chance of mutual love.
    But that tragedy strikes. First never ceasing rain causes a flood and then a person is found dead - and it seems that the death was not an accident.
    Darcy must now face the damages caused by the flood and tries, with Elizabeth's help, to investigate in the case of the death.
    Might his houseguests be part of the mystery? And will he, besides all these other events, be able to reach an understanding with Elizabeth?

    The book of the author Heather Moll is a second chance romance and, like all her books, very well written. In this book Darcy and Elizabeth need to solve a mystery together. I like it very much when they have to work together and are, in the process, able to discover how good they work together when have the same aim and that they are indeed very well matched. The mystery was thrilling and captivating and only revealed by events beyond ODC's control. For them and the reader the solution of the mystery was not obvious. I like that very much because you as reader are able to think with them about the case, come to conclusions and guess about the possible culprit.

    I also like the development of Elizabeth's and Darcy's relationship very much. The feelings on Darcy's part have not changed, they only deepened, but Elizabeth's feelings slowly begin to change because she is able to observe Darcy among family and close friends and in his familiar surroundings. And when tragic strikes she is also able to see the master of Pemberley handling the affair with great care, sensibility, justice and kindness. She comes to understand him better and admire him for the man he truly is.
    Because of the house party and then the flooding there are not many people involved in this book and so there are naturally not many intruders to Darcy's and Elizabeth's love story. The only obstacles to their relationship are the mystery and ODC itself because, before they can indulge in their love, they first need to learn about the (ongoing) feelings of the other person, and solve the mystery together (in parts).

    I like Elizabeth very much in this story. She is rather bold but with this she encourages Darcy to propose a second time to her. It is also her who encourages intimate moments between ODC for the first time. I like that she is daring. This also enables her to really care for Darcy when he the weight of responsibility for managing the flood and investigating in the mystery lay heavy on his shoulders. She sees that he also needs someone to lean on and share the burden and she is willing to take that role, even if she is not already his wife. This deepens their relationship greatly and lets them experience something like a life as husband and wife before being wed.

    If you like a story where Darcy and Elizabeth need to solve a mystery together and with this discover that they (still) love and care for each other, you should read this great story.

    I highly recommend this book.

    Note: The book contains scenes for mature audiences and some violence.
  • Dorotea Maria Fulde Benke
    5.0 out of 5 stars Surprising suspense
    Reviewed in Spain on November 15, 2022
    There is a real suspense scenario waiting for you between the pages of a good lovestory. A lovely Darcy and a fascinating Elizabeth or the other way round if you prefer... Enjoy!
  • Elster
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good but could have been better
    Reviewed in France on October 22, 2023
    This variation is good (Heather Moll knows how to write) but not without flaws. It is a bit repetitive. How many times are we told that both Darcy's bachelor friends are resentful towards their fathers for giving them a small allowance or towards their own situation (one expecting to herit, the other only being a second son)? Far too many times. SPOILER**** Like many reviewers I felt uneasy with Elizabeth the temptress seducing a chaste Darcy. I fail to appreciate a chaste 28 years old Regency Darcy. It is not believable: all upper class men were sexually educated at a very (shockingly) tender age by courtisans. A bold, brazen, wanton Regency Elizabeth is not a total impossibility because women, in essentials, were the same as today and certainly experienced desire, but this particular evolution in ODG's character is not really pleasant, is it? Interesting story but could have been better with a better editing (to remedy the repetitions) and without the pre-marital trysts which did not bring a lot to the plot. At least they were well written. 3.5 stars.

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