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Determination: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Kindle Edition

4.4 out of 5 stars 978 ratings

“Love at first sight” is a laughable concept in the considered opinion of Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and never occurs in real life—certainly not in the life of an experienced soldier. In fact, until he observes the smitten nature of his cousin Fitzwilliam Darcy, he doubts that fervent love exists. Marriage, after all, is a matter of money, social standing, and property.

But his cousin becomes besotted with Elizabeth Bennet, the lovely but penniless daughter of a Hertfordshire gentleman, and is determined to make her his wife. Unfortunately, emotions overwhelm his good judgment, and he botches an offer of marriage.

When the colonel attempts to untangle the mess, his own world becomes almost as chaotic when he makes the accidental acquaintance of Miss Jane Bennet, Elizabeth’s beloved eldest sister. Can emotions previously deemed impossible truly seize such a level-headed person as himself? And can impassible obstacles deter a man of true determination?

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08SMMCW5F
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Meryton Press (January 18, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 18, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.8 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 422 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 978 ratings

About the author

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C. P. Odom
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By training, I’m a retired engineer, born in Texas, raised in Oklahoma, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma. Sandwiched in there was a stint in the Marines, and I’ve lived in Arizona since 1977, working first for Motorola and then General Dynamics. I raised two sons with my first wife, Margaret, before her untimely death from cancer, and my second wife, Jeanine, and I adopted two girls from China. The older of my daughters recently graduated with an engineering degree and is working in Phoenix, and the younger girl is heading toward a nursing degree. I’ve always been a voracious reader and collector of books, and my favorite genres are science fiction, historical fiction, histories, and, in recent years, reading (and later writing) Jane Austen romantic fiction. This late-developing interest was indirectly stimulated when I read my late wife's beloved Jane Austen books after her passing. One thing led to another, and I now have four novels published: A Most Civil Proposal (2013), Consequences (2014), and Pride, Prejudice, and Secrets (2015), and Perilous Siege, available on Amazon (March 30, 2019). I’m under contract for a fifth novel, A Covenant of Marriage, which is being edited and will be available later in 2019. I retired from engineering in 2011, but I still live in Arizona with my family, a pair of dogs (one of which is stubbornly untrainable), and a pair of rather strange cats. My hobbies are reading, woodworking, and watching college football and LPGA golf (the girls are much nicer than the guys, as well as being fiendishly good putters). Lately I’ve reverted back to my younger years and have taken up building plastic model aircraft and ships (when I can find the time).

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
978 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this Pride and Prejudice variation for its compelling and unexpected plot, with one review noting it depicts an everlasting love and devotion. They appreciate the character development, particularly Jane Bennet's portrayal, and find it an excellent adaptation. The book receives positive feedback for its humor and entertainment value. The writing quality receives mixed reactions, with some praising its exquisite prose while others criticize it for being too wordy and relying on telling rather than showing.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

32 customers mention "Storyline"32 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of this Pride & Prejudice variation, particularly appreciating the unexpected plot twists and how it differs from the original.

"...This was a delightful story, I thoroughly enjoyed it." Read more

"...They are both depicted as strong characters: Richard is bold & determined; Jane is more resolute than I’ve ever seen her, and considerably more..." Read more

"...He never faltered in his campaign. This is a long story and other reviews give more details. Just know that I enjoyed it and highly recommend it." Read more

"...It's very well written and plotted throughout, so if you don't mind letting Darcy and Elizabeth fumble their way together on the outskirts for once..." Read more

26 customers mention "Enjoyment"26 positive0 negative

Customers find the book delightful and well done, with one describing it as absolutely enchanting.

"...meets Jane Bennet he is not only struck by her beauty but by her kind and caring heart...." Read more

"...Will all concerned find their HEA'S? Read this delightful book to find out!" Read more

"...fumble their way together on the outskirts for once, this is a very enjoyable read. For the pure-ists, don't bother. It wasn't written for you." Read more

"...characters have sparked your interest, this will delight and satisfy...." Read more

25 customers mention "Character development"22 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly Jane Bennet and Richard Fitzwilliam, while maintaining true to the original characters.

"...Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam meets Jane Bennet he is not only struck by her beauty but by her kind and caring heart...." Read more

"...They are both depicted as strong characters: Richard is bold & determined; Jane is more resolute than I’ve ever seen her, and considerably more..." Read more

"...It's A full exploration of characters who generally fill in the scenery but here they are given center stage...." Read more

"In the beginning, I was quite enthralled with Richard’s character. His determination was endearing...." Read more

8 customers mention "Variation"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the variation in this Pride and Prejudice adaptation, with one customer specifically praising the portrayal of Colonel Fitzwilliam.

"...One of the best P&P variations I’ve read in a while." Read more

"...Congratulations to the Author - well done variation and I would highly suggest it to any Jane Austen fan or anyone who loves a romance." Read more

"A really interesting variation. I Find Colonel Fitzwilliam very believable as a soldier and 2nd son who fought in the Napoleonic wars." Read more

"...This particular book is the very best adaptations I've had the pleasure to read. This is truly a must-read." Read more

7 customers mention "Humor"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book.

"...At times the story was funny, romantic, frustrating, sad, and intense...." Read more

"...Readers will laugh Because this Jane Is not is shrinking violet." Read more

"Written with humor and an intimate knowledge of humanity. I loved Jane's character, it was well developed...." Read more

"...Loved the humour. Love Jane's personality in this story too. Well done." Read more

19 customers mention "Writing quality"12 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing quality of the book, with some finding it exquisitely written while others criticize it for being so full of telling instead of showing.

"...Nevertheless, I enjoyed this novel a great deal. It is well-written and unexpected, as it is told from the perspective of Col...." Read more

"...It's very well written and plotted throughout, so if you don't mind letting Darcy and Elizabeth fumble their way together on the outskirts for once..." Read more

"...She was so out of character; angry, mean, unappreciative shrew that they could have named her Caroline and I would not have known the difference...." Read more

"...with Bingley and how each of the characters dealt with it - very dignified and respectful throughout...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2022
    In this story we see a new side of both Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. When Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam meets Jane Bennet he is not only struck by her beauty but by her kind and caring heart. So he is determined to win that heart to the surprise of his cousin Mr.Darcy. You will marvel at the hoops Mr.Darcy must jump through to gain the approbation of Miss Elizabeth. You'll enjoy how Mr. Bingley finally dealt with his sisters Caroline , first and foremost, and Louisa. Even more than that you'll appreciate how Jane Bennet come to see the actions of the Bingleys, especially Charles Bingley, for what they truly are. This was a delightful story, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2021
    This story nicely showcases Col. Richard Fitzwilliam & Miss Jane Bennet. We are privy to Richard’s thoughts as he meets, is smitten by, and quickly wins the hand of Miss Bennet. They are both depicted as strong characters: Richard is bold & determined; Jane is more resolute than I’ve ever seen her, and considerably more wanton, almost beyond believability.

    Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet are relegated to 2nd tier character status. I’m not sure why the author depicted them as so very different from the Darcy and Elizabeth we’ve all enjoyed since they were created by Jane Austen. Here Darcy is somewhat befuddled, unromantic, and weak, while Elizabeth is often stubborn, shrewish, and unkind. There seems to be very little understanding, self-awareness, or affection between them. I was disappointed in these portrayals as I have come to view this pair over the years as nearly invincible and totally dedicated to each other.

    Nevertheless, I enjoyed this novel a great deal. It is well-written and unexpected, as it is told from the perspective of Col. Fitzwilliam who is portrayed as the stronger of the two male cousins and his character is written so that he can easily carry the plot nearly single-handedly.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2023
    The infamous and disastrous marriage proposal at Lunsford by Mr. Darcy to Miss Elizabeth Bennet is interrupted in this P&P variation. It is interrupted by his cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. This one action alters the outcome of the story away from canon completely. Colonel Fitzwilliam is compelled to address the injustices levelled against Mr. Darcy. He chooses to do this in London when Elizabeth returns to her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Of course her sister Miss Jane Bennet is still there recovering from her disappointed hope. When the Colonel arrives he meets Jane and immediately falls in love with her. Can his "determination" breach the sadness of her heart and heal it? Will Mr. Darcy be able to overcome the missteps in his interactions with Elizabeth? Will all concerned find their HEA'S? Read this delightful book to find out!
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2021
    I had tears at the end. Loved it.

    In this variation we begin at Rosings as Darcy leaves his aunt's house and his cousin, Fitzwilliam, follows him not realizing at first that Darcy is on his way to the parsonage. When Fitzwilliam nears that house he overhears through open windows the end of the confrontation between Elizabeth and Darcy after his horrid proposal. He enters meaning to add information in order to correct what Elizabeth has said about Wickham but is interrupted as Charlotte, Maria and Collins return. He gains permission to visit Elizabeth at the Gardiners in London to finish telling her about Wickham.

    So the Colonel does visit and corrects Elizabeth misconception as to who is the bad guy in that relationship between Darcy and Wickham. But the Colonel is now struck with "love at first sight" when he thinks back on meeting her and follows up with a second visit. Soon he is courting Jane. He is very open and up front about his motives and his own situation in being able to support a wife. However, Elizabeth demands that before she will allow Darcy a second chance he must inform Charles Bingley about his mistaken impression that Jane had no affection for him.

    So we have Charles returning and we also have a very reluctant Darcy moving slowly in both words and actions as he is fearful of spoiling this opportunity.

    I had to love the Colonel. He never faltered in his campaign. This is a long story and other reviews give more details. Just know that I enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2021
    This is a full " What if ..." and centers completely on Jane and her romance with the Colonel. It's A full exploration of characters who generally fill in the scenery but here they are given center stage. There is estrangement from family on both sides and our author has added some unusual quirks of 'personality' to both the elder Bennett girls that may give a better understanding of the youngest. It's very well written and plotted throughout, so if you don't mind letting Darcy and Elizabeth fumble their way together on the outskirts for once, this is a very enjoyable read. For the pure-ists, don't bother. It wasn't written for you.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2021
    In the beginning, I was quite enthralled with Richard’s character. His determination was endearing. However, after about halfway through, it became all about him being the only person who could remedy all the conflicts, except the Bingley one. I liked the plot twist with Bingley and how each of the characters dealt with it - very dignified and respectful throughout. Lizzy and Jane were quite out of character to the point of being silly sometimes (sticking out her tongue, wearing alluring gowns just so he’ll look at her breasts, removing her nightgown) Darcy was not his own man in this version, except when he played chess with Bennet. He couldn’t act without Richard’s prodding.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2022
    If you only like canon Lizzie and Darcy, this won’t suit as they are secondary to Jane and Richard. But if canon secondary characters have sparked your interest, this will delight and satisfy.
    This Jane is SO much better than canon, and Richard has depth and character as well as determination.
    One of the best P&P variations I’ve read in a while.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Adriana
    5.0 out of 5 stars I Just couldn't stop reading
    Reviewed in Brazil on February 21, 2021
    Variation of Pride and Prejudice in which ODC are not the main characters. Darcy manages to be even more aloof and Elizabeth even more stubborn than usual and they really need Colonel Fitzwilliam's help. He falls in love at first sight with Jane, who still suffers for Bingley. I just couldn't stop reading.
  • Toni
    5.0 out of 5 stars a delightful story
    Reviewed in Australia on May 12, 2024
    I really enjoyed the plot of this one and especially the development of Jane into more than a cardboard cutout
  • Isa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Long but worth it
    Reviewed in Spain on July 15, 2021
    If you're expecting a retale of Elizabeth and Darcy... you'll get it, but keep in mind that Jane deserved her story being told. And her heart won.
    The author plays with Hundsford's declaration bringing in a new perspective and, with it, a completely new story.

    Elizabeth doesn't get the infamous letter; but she received more info than she expected... from a known source that helps her to reexamine her opinions even if her grudge agaisnt Darcy for breaking her sisters heart is still alive. Meanwhile, Jane makes her own discoveries the crucial one being she doesn't mind being courted by someone self assured and who, eventually becomes her safe harbour.

    Lovely, fin, a bit spicy sometimes and rather extense in lenght but more than worth the ride to know a new side of our dear characters and their courtships...
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars great read
    Reviewed in Germany on August 5, 2024
    I dithered between 4 and 5 stars, but realized it’s a great read and so much going on to love about it that anything less than full stars would be a disservice to the pure enjoyment this book brought. I‘ll admit I didn’t like Elizabeth at the beginning she was immature and acted more like Lydia than canon Lizzy ever would, her interference in Jane’s decisions and wants was really crossing the line in places but it all worked out as it should. I absolutely adored Colonel Fitzwilliam here, he came across better and more realistic than in canon, being that he is a soldier and acted like it. I adored him more than Darcy and that’s a leap for me. I liked Jane in this too, she really showed her spine. All in all a fascinating read.
  • L. Stacey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it lots
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 10, 2021
    I read this on kindle unlimited, then went ahead and bought it. It is one of the most enjoyable JAFF books I have read. Mainly because Colonel Fitzwilliam is one of my very favourite fictional characters and this book portrays him perfectly for me. This is my first book by this author, and I will certainly be reading more from this gentleman.
    Thank you sir for a very enjoyable few hours escapism in these very worrying times of Covid and social distancing
    We are now well passed Covid, and have just reread this book. While I remain pleased with the colonel and Jane’s courtship, what ever made me think Elizabeth had such a right to interfere with everyone else’s life! What a self righteous sanctimonious prig! Really for a woman of 20 to throw a tantrum that would shame a 2 yr old. Then expect friends and relatives to jump to her demands. How dare she! Please Mr Darcy go find a pleasant partner, not a termagant who will demand unquestioning obedience and make your life miserable if she doesn’t get it, and dear Jane tell her to keep out of your affairs. You are her older sister. As for the dear Colonel, marry your Jane and remover from her sisters toxic personality.

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