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C. P. Odom
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A Chance Eavesdropping: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Kindle Edition

by C. P. Odom (Author), Janet Taylor (Illustrator), Carol S. Bowes (Editor), Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 451 ratings

Can eavesdropping change Elizabeth Bennet’s future?

What is a young lady of the Regency to do when she overhears her own mother plotting against her? When the plot involves matching the lovely Elizabeth Bennet with her unpleasant cousin Mr. Collins, sudden and drastic steps are needed.

Elizabeth’s life is also complicated by the wealthy and haughty Mr. Darcy, a guest of Mr. Bingley, the neighbourhood’s most eligible bachelor and her sister Jane’s suitor. The prideful Mr. Darcy soon departs Hertfordshire along with the Bingley party. But Mr. Bingley returns for Jane’s hand, ignoring the opposition of his sisters.

When Elizabeth’s summer excursion to the North with her aunt and uncle leads to further surprises, including a chance encounter with the high and mighty Mr. Darcy, the travellers accept an invitation to lodge at his estate. Meanwhile, her sister Lydia causes a calamity that may destroy the reputation of the Bennet family.

The gentlemen band together to search for Wickham and Lydia, but can the Bennets’ good name be restored even if the errant couple is found? Is Darcy’s attraction to this country lass with neither fortune nor connections stronger than the voices in his head? Can the mere infraction of eavesdropping truly lead to such wildly unforeseen events?

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  1. Print length
    383 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    June 22, 2023
  5. File size
    4.5 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C92RVTFJ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Meryton Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 22, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.5 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 383 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 451 ratings

About the author

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C. P. Odom

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

4.2 out of 5 stars
451 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written, with one review noting its witty moments and good dialogue. They describe it as a delightful read.

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5 customers mention "Writing quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, with one mentioning its witty moments and another noting its tongue-in-cheek style.

"I loved this book. It was written well and had its witty moments. Charles Bingley had more backbone in this and returned from town before Christmas...." Read more

"...it is historically accurate, well edited and beautifully written - and told with a tongue in cheek delight that sets it apart from most stories..." Read more

"Technically well written with some good dialogue...." Read more

"The grammar, punctuation, and spelling are fine but I don't like the characters. Elizabeth is wanting in quickness and sense...." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book delightful and easy to read.

"I loved this book. It was written well and had its witty moments. Charles Bingley had more backbone in this and returned from town before Christmas...." Read more

"...his other books that I have read, it isn't all sweetness, but it is a good, thorough story!" Read more

"Another absolutely delightful and slightly steamy variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by C. P. Odom...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Fabulous Mrs B
    5.0 out of 5 stars great read
    Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book. It was written well and had its witty moments. Charles Bingley had more backbone in this and returned from town before Christmas. Elizabeth’s sister Mary married mr Collins due to Elizabeth overhearing Mrs Bennett’s plan early. She never went to Hunsford. The trip north was educational for Elizabeth. Great story. Great Jaff
    2 people found this helpful
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  • wosedwew
    4.0 out of 5 stars Eavesdropping is such a regular-person activity. ~ Franny Billingsley
    Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    “Instead, perchance, you might consider Lizzy. She is next to Jane in both beauty and seniority, and her manners are as excellent as Jane’s.”

    Those two sentences, overheard purely by chance, change the direction of Pride & Prejudice.

    Elizabeth Bennet is in the Longbourn garden on a morning soon after the Rev. William Collins arrives to visit his estranged cousins. Her mother and Collins take a walk through the garden and fail to notice Elizabeth sitting nearby. The secret is no longer a secret.

    Rather than wait for the inevitable, Elizabeth takes action to show Collins how very unsuitable she would be as a clergyman’s wife and sometime companion to a noble patroness. Collins’ attention shifts to the next sister, Mary.

    Any place is good for eavesdropping if you know how to eavesdrop. ~ Tom Waits

    Elizabeth does not visit Hunsford in the spring, thus, no disastrous proposal occurs. Instead, her next meeting with Mr. Darcy is at Pemberley during her travels with the Gardiners.

    Romance ensues, until … well, you know what.

    Wait for it! Wait for it! Anticipation is half the fun, so I have been told. ~ Phil Collins

    In Regency times, “anticipation” had a special meaning in reference to marriage vows. But what will happen if our young lovers do not “wait for it”? The entire episode seemed very out of character for Darcy and Elizabeth under the circumstances.

    ‘Nuff said.

    I had read this years ago as an online story and I enjoyed this re-read. I always like this author but this book will not be my favorite.

    Eavesdropping is a deplorable habit, but I have developed worse ones since. ~ Patrick Rothfuss
    5 people found this helpful
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  • MrsH
    5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly enjoyable PP variation - unexpected from a male former Marine
    Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    When I saw the author listed as a former Marine, I wasn’t expecting one of the best romances I have read in a long time, but that’s what A Chance Eavesdropping proved to be.
    it is historically accurate, well edited and beautifully written - and told with a tongue in cheek delight that sets it apart from most stories based on Austen’s characters.

    If you’ve ever fancied Darcy as a pirate and Lizzie as a passionate maiden, this may be the story you’ve been waiting for. It’s a clean, sweet romance with just a hint of naughty excitement.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Compulsive Reader
    3.0 out of 5 stars Writing was tedious and a bit juvenile.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2025
    There is a limit to the number of exclamation points a writer can use, and it is three in a lifetime. Three in a paragraph is just too much shouting.
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  • f4ewso45
    4.0 out of 5 stars Thorough Book
    Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    If you ever wondered what happened between the events Jane Austen has in P&P or the events or conversations she summarizes in a couple of sentences, this book is for you. It describes in detail all of the above, sometimes at great length. It doesn't slavishly follow canon and has creative changes to the plot line over and above those mentioned above. Like his other books that I have read, it isn't all sweetness, but it is a good, thorough story!
    One person found this helpful
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  • D M
    5.0 out of 5 stars Elizabeth is coming to understand that her opinions are always correct about Mr. Darcy .
    Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2023
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    Lies uncovered and a revealing of the character of Wickham open the eyes of Miss Elizabeth Bennet and her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner leading to a favorable view of Mr. Darcy and New perspective of his past actions. Of course, touring Pemberly, a pleasant meeting Mr. Darcy and meeting Miss Darcy only add to confusion on the part of Miss Bennet but not her relatives.
    One person found this helpful
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  • LawyerMom
    4.0 out of 5 stars More like 3.75
    Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Technically well written with some good dialogue. But a choice EB makes and her reasons therefore, upon which the last third of the book hinges, do not ring emotionally true. Nor is it supported by the previous two thirds of the book. Nor does it seem that FD would eschew all propriety while in the midst of the struggle to effectuate Wickham and Lydia's marriage.
    While I was intrigued by the first parts of the book, my investment was lost. It also seems as if ODC could have married in Meryton using the common license with Mr.Bennet present but without Mrs.Bennet's presence.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A nice read
    Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2023
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    I enjoyed this story more than expected. In truth, I found little consequence to the eavesdropping at first, but later in the story I found myself happy with the differences caused.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Lynne Robson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant as usual from this author
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 28, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    As soon as I see this author as published another book it is a must buy for me . His books are always do interestingly good you need to Read it yourself as to really experience this fun living book.
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  • Marie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sadly, not a favourite.
    Reviewed in Canada on June 25, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I was a little disappointed with this latest novel from Mr. Odom. With the majority of the storyline focused on Elizabeth’s negative attitude towards Darcy, and then a never-ending review of Lydia and Wickham’s perfidy, I had a difficult time getting through to the end. I hate to say that because I really really like this author, but unlike his past pleasing novels, this one just wasn’t interesting to me. There was sooooo much narrative. I appreciate a healthy balance between narrative and dialogue, and in this case, I felt that the narrative overshadowed the potential for engaging conversations. For me, dialogue acts as a window into the characters' personalities and motivations, and I would have enjoyed more opportunities to hear their voices.

    Elizabeth’s steadfast refusal to acknowledge the faults of one man, and the virtues of another, displayed a blend of obtuseness and willful ignorance. Her unwavering loyalty towards Wickham, even after learning some of those faults was frustrating. It isn’t until Darcy reveals Ramsgate that she is finally overcome with mortification and sees what Wickham truly is.

    While the detailed coverage surrounding the whole Lydia and Wickham affair was different, it’s not my favourite storyline. I got no enjoyment from reading about it and I just was ready for it to end.

    I don’t mind a little steam in my P&P, but I don’t like hypocrisy. When Elizabeth presents herself to Darcy even without a marriage proposal yet, in my opinion she was no better than Lydia, or a Caroline who goes to Darcy’s room to compromise him. In this case, Darcy is a willing participant, but still. It was hard to like this Elizabeth throughout the book.

    I can’t rate this more than 3.5 stars. Not quite a 4, but better than a three, so I will round up. There were quite a few proofreading misses as well as a couple of discrepancies that were also missed. Bottom line—this variation was just okay. I will still look forward to Mr. Odom’s next book.
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  • Ozzyturn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Left me with a smile
    Reviewed in Australia on July 5, 2023
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    A very enjoyable variation. Elizabeth makes a sensible plan to deal with Mr Collins. Wickham is dastardly as usual. Lidia is an idiot and Mrs Bennet deserves a slap. All the good stuff! With a lovely fun little vignette to finish.
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  • AquaViola
    3.0 out of 5 stars Why?
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    For the most part, this book is just a reworking of the original. Some events happen in a different order, but that's just it. You might as well just read the original, for all the difference there is. It's only when you get into the last 11% that you see a different ending. I only finished reading to see if there was a bit point to this book that I had missed - there wasn't.
    Report

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