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The Red Chrysanthemum: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Kindle Edition
When Fitzwilliam Darcy leaves the inn in Lambton after a tense but fruitful visit with Elizabeth Bennet, her words cultivate his hopes. “Less naturally amiable tempers than Mr Bingley’s have found ways to forgive you.” Has she excused his flaws of character and errors in judgement? While dining at Pemberley, Elizabeth is confounded when Darcy says of her scent, “Now I find I am more fond of lavender than ever… certainly even more fond of it than I was in, say, April.” Has he pardoned her intemperate assault on his pride?
As her esteem blossoms into love and his desire flourishes into devotion, the meanings of every leaf and petal allow Elizabeth and Darcy to express emotions too vulnerable to speak aloud. But can messages in fronds and leaflets save their fragile hearts when scandalous news arrives from Longbourn?
Perhaps flowers do not always say it best.
Join garden writer Linda Beutler (Gardening with Clematis, 2004 and Garden to Vase, 2007) as she plants herself in Jane Austen’s most admired novel, bringing her love of all things blooming with her. The gardens at Pemberley may never be the same!
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateSeptember 10, 2013
- File size1.0 MB
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Product details
- ASIN : B00F4F921Y
- Publisher : Meryton Press; 1st edition (September 10, 2013)
- Publication date : September 10, 2013
- Language : English
- File size : 1.0 MB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 262 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #121,084 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #872 in Historical Regency Fiction
- #3,013 in Regency Historical Romance
- #3,177 in Regency Romances
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
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Forthcoming Book: Plant Lovers Guide to Clematis, Timber Press, March 2016
http://www.amazon.com/Plant-Lovers-Guide-Clematis/dp/1604696591/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451940726&sr=8-1&keywords=Plant+Lovers+guide+to+clematis
Including a directory of nearly 200 clematis for any and every garden use!
Think of my newly published short story, The Incomplete Education of Fitzwilliam Darcy, as a prequel of sorts to A Will of Iron, Longbourn to London, The Red Chrysanthemum, and even Pride and Prejudice itself! This new story is included in the just-debuted Sun-Kissed: Effusions of Summer antholgy, published by Meryton Press. Reading my story will get you all warmed up for A Will of Iron, my new novel! http://www.amazon.com/dp/1936009447
It's Here: A Will of Iron by Linda Beutler
The untimely death of Anne de Bourgh, only days after his disastrous proposal at the Hunsford parsonage, draws Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousin Colonel Alexander Fitzwilliam back to Rosings Park before Elizabeth Bennet has left the neighborhood. In death, Anne is revealed as having lived a rich life of the mind, plotting rather constantly to escape her loathsome mother, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Anne's journal, spirited into the hands of Charlotte Collins and Elizabeth, holds Anne's candid observations on life and her family. It also explains her final quirky means of outwitting her mother. Anne's Last Will and Testament, with its peculiar bequests, upheaves every relationship amongst the Bennets, Darcys, Fitzwilliams, Collinses, and even the Bingleys! Was Anne de Bourgh a shrewder judge of character than Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy combined?
A Will of Iron is in the editing phase now, and we hope to release it in late May or early June, 2015.
Available NOW in Amazon's Kindle store, The Red Chrysanthemum by Linda Beutler, (Meryton Press. 2014 IPPY WINNER, Silver Medal for Romance, Independent Publishers Association; Longbourn to London (2014, Meryton Press).
Linda Beutler is an Oregon native who began writing professionally in 1996 (meaning that is when they started paying her...), in the field of garden writing. First published in magazines, Linda graduated to book authorship in 2004 with the publication of Gardening With Clematis (2004, Timber Press). In 2007 Timber Press presented her second title, Garden to Vase, a partnership with garden photographer Allan Mandell. In 2013 Linda began working with a new publisher, and writing in a completely different direction. Funny how life works out, but more on that in a minute.
Linda lives the gardening life: she is a part-time instructor in the horticulture department at Clackamas Community College, writes and lectures about gardening topics throughout the USA, and is traveling the world through her active participation in the International Clematis Society, of which she is the current president. Then there's that dream job--which she is sure everyone else must covet but which she alone has--Linda Beutler is the curator of the Rogerson Clematis Collection, which is located at Luscher Farm, a farm/park maintained by the city of Lake Oswego. They say to keep resumes brief, but Linda considers Garden With Clematis (Timber Press, 2004) her 72,000 word resume. She signed on as curator to North America's most comprehensive and publicly accessible collection of the genus clematis in July 2007, and they will no doubt not get shut of her until she can be carried out in a pine box.
And now for something completely different: in September 2011, Linda checked out a book of Jane Austen fan fiction from her local library, and was, to put it in the modern British vernacular, gob smacked. After devouring every title she could get her hands on, she quite arrogantly decided that, in some cases, she could do better, and began writing her own expansions and variations of Pride and Prejudice. The will to publish became too tempting, and after viewing the welcoming Meryton Press website, she printed out the first three chapters of her book, and out it went, a child before the firing squad. Luckily, the discerning editors at Meryton Press saved the child from slaughter, and Linda's first work of Jane Austen-esque fiction, The Red Chrysanthemum, was ready for publication in September 2013.
Linda shares a small garden in Southeast Portland with her husband, and pets that function as surrogate children. Her personal collection of clematis numbers something around 230 taxa. These are also surrogate children, and just as badly behaved.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoyed the book's engaging and sweet storyline. They found the writing quality to be well-crafted and clever. The romance was described as romantic and endearing. The characters were described as well-developed. The book provided a unique and imaginative twist to the original storyline. Customers appreciated the attention to detail and intelligent storytelling.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book. They find the premise fun and engaging, with love revealed through the language of flowers. The writing is fluid and the storyline exciting. Readers appreciate the dialog and humorous undertones. Overall, they consider it a worthwhile read.
"...It was worth the read to get to the last chapter with Darcy’s letters to Mrs. Bennet about marital relations and then a very comical scene with Mrs...." Read more
"...Again, not in character for anyone but oh, so funny! And Darcy's follow up letter put the exclamation point on that!..." Read more
"...It is also very explicit book at the end. Still good and not too much. Just right. I highly recommend this book to a Jane Austen fan fiction reader...." Read more
"...Great Bingley! Romantic and funny story. It made me laugh a few times. Very enjoyable." Read more
Customers enjoy the storyline. They find it sweet, believable, and enjoyable with a nice slow burn to keep the love story compelling. The plot is suspenseful and the epilogue is great. There is no dramatic angst or anguishing moments for the characters. Overall, readers appreciate the book's unique retelling of Pride and Prejudice that offers the best of all emotions.
"...him learn of her attentions to the tenants at Longbourn was a nice touch to the story. Lizzy hugging Mrs. Reynolds - very warm thoughts...." Read more
"Pros 1. Extremely well written and edited story. 2. Very nice storyline using plants flowers and fruit as messages 3...." Read more
"...sexual content, it may not be your cup of tea, but I found those scenes very sweet and, at times, funny as Darcy tries to hold his ardor in check..." Read more
"...This is a wonderful story line. It somewhat follows the original work but with some reassurances that the original did not have...." Read more
Customers find the writing quality good. They appreciate the passionate interludes, clever narration, and well-crafted novel. The story is humorous, playful, and believable. However, some readers feel the sexual content is explicit at the end.
"...Sexual content: OK, very detailed, but I often wonder at all these authors who have their heroine having multiple climaxes during their first..." Read more
"...It is also very explicit book at the end. Still good and not too much. Just right. I highly recommend this book to a Jane Austen fan fiction reader...." Read more
"...All in all a very well-written, well-executed variation that deserves every P&P fan’s attention." Read more
"...I was so wrong. This book is expertly written...." Read more
Customers enjoy the romantic dialogue and the love story between Darcy and Elizabeth. They find the book sweet, witty, and an engaging read that captures the love between them well. The historical setting is also appreciated by readers.
"Yes, this tale of bringing together Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is romantic and funny with the language of flowers...." Read more
"...Still good and not too much. Just right. I highly recommend this book to a Jane Austen fan fiction reader. Great Jaff" Read more
"...Great Bingley! Romantic and funny story. It made me laugh a few times. Very enjoyable." Read more
"...So much in the end could have been told so tastefully. Love making is beautiful but like the old saying goes....Less is More!..." Read more
Customers like the character development. They say the story is charming and the characters are well-developed.
"...3. Characters well developed 4. Holds your attention (strong story) Cons 1. Sappy couple 2...." Read more
"These are nicely fleshed out characters who are completely in synch with the original P&P. The many pages of conversations are thoroughly engaging...." Read more
"...called author barely deviating from the original P&P. You have great characters a wonderful time period, yet couldn't come up with an original..." Read more
"a very good story with the characters well done. Darcy and Elizabeth with their usual misunderstandings of one another do get a worthy, deserved HEA...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's unique and imaginative twist on the original. They find the recurring theme fascinating and enjoy the well-loved caricatures.
"...All in all a very well-written, well-executed variation that deserves every P&P fan’s attention." Read more
"...While that particular aspect was just a fascinating recurring theme, not a major plot in this story, I have to say this is now my absolute favorite..." Read more
"This is one of the best variations I have read...." Read more
"This was an excellent variation to P&P! Ms. Beutler nailed it on the head. She has a way with the written word...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's attention to detail. They find the story interesting and educational, with well-developed characters. The book provides an alternative perspective and delves into language.
"...3. Characters well developed 4. Holds your attention (strong story) Cons 1. Sappy couple 2...." Read more
"...Despite its wordiness and attention to detail, it seems as almost every word of this story has significance and worth...." Read more
"...P variation by Ms. Beutler I have read, and I found it every bit as intelligent & sensitively written as the first...." Read more
"...- for there is time and space enough to experience long and detailed conversation between Elizabeth and Darcy, the delicate evolution of their..." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing. Some find the author's rendering of Darcy and erotic writing at the end well-done. Others find the writing unrealistic, crude, and childish.
"...epilogues that allude to deaths of main characters, but this was handled nicely...." Read more
"...which is what I expected, and then there's completely unrealistic and crude, which is what the author delivered...." Read more
"...This is a sweet love story, and I hope a sequel is in the works! Great job!" Read more
"...flowers, but alas, the story proceeded in a completely different, crude manner, nearly all the final 60 pages...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2024Yes, this tale of bringing together Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is romantic and funny with the language of flowers.
It was worth the read to get to the last chapter with Darcy’s letters to Mrs. Bennet about marital relations and then a very comical scene with Mrs. Bennet, Jane and Charles Bingley. I laughed and giggled like a silly daughter of a Bennet.
The only complaint I have is Elizabeth was too insecure with her thoughts ands feelings.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2014I read this book twice. And read all the reviews also in an attempt to sort out my own thoughts. Finally, I have mixed feelings. First, since the book is entitled "The Red Chrysanthemum" I was disappointed that the flower theme was only explored in the first half of the book. Why would Georgiana put these flowers on the grave sites if that messaging was not carried on through out the marriage. And he never sent flowers while she was at Longbourn. I expected rose or lavender petals to be spread on their bed, at the least.
Furthermore: Both Elizabeth and Darcy cannot seem to trust what they are hearing from others or what is communicated by the flowers along with the notes. Why? Even Mr. Bennet seems to get it before Elizabeth. It was reassuring to read that Darcy was determined as he pictured Elizabeth as the Mistress of Pemberley, in his words to Col. Fitzwilliam, etc. Having him learn of her attentions to the tenants at Longbourn was a nice touch to the story. Lizzy hugging Mrs. Reynolds - very warm thoughts.
Charles, Georgina and Anne were more developed and stronger in this tale. Good for Bingley to send his sisters off! I don't know that I like Fitzwilliam calling his sister "Georgie" or even "Gosling" but that is a minor detail.
Wickham ending up with a broken nose and the loss of 2 teeth was well done by Col. Fitzwilliam and Darcy...all as he "resisted arrest"! I wanted to slap him as he crudely described lusting after Elizabeth. Too bad Lydia didn't hear that.
I think, even though it certainly was not in character for any of the persons involved, that Darcy's letter to Mrs. Bennet and her subsequently bursting in on Jane (with Charles under the table pleasuring her), Mrs. B. telling Jane/them how Darcy is training Lizzy to be a "Columbine", "ouch", "damn", and then Mrs. B. peeking under the table to then view Charles' naked butt is just so hilarious! Again, not in character for anyone but oh, so funny! And Darcy's follow up letter put the exclamation point on that! How rude Mrs. Bennet was to scold Lizzy for not becoming pregnant immediately...(speaking as one who doctored for years to become pregnant.) Hope that shut her up about that subject for ever and ever....with all her daughters.
Sexual content: OK, very detailed, but I often wonder at all these authors who have their heroine having multiple climaxes during their first experience. Rather like the Barbie dolls all being so well developed, in my opinion. I did appreciate the narrative showing Darcy's problem controlling his physical responses and how Elizabeth was naive in how she could affect him.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2024This was a very detailed and well written book. It starts when Elizabeth and Darcy meets at Pemberley. It is also very explicit book at the end. Still good and not too much. Just right. I highly recommend this book to a Jane Austen fan fiction reader. Great Jaff
- Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2024I loved the extra time Elizabeth spent at Pemberley with the Gardiners because the Wickham timetable was moved up. She was able to become close to Georgiana and made early headway with Darcy sooner than usual. Great Bingley! Romantic and funny story. It made me laugh a few times. Very enjoyable.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2013Pros
1. Extremely well written and edited story.
2. Very nice storyline using plants flowers and fruit as messages
3. Characters well developed
4. Holds your attention (strong story)
Cons
1. Sappy couple
2. Okay, a little love making goes a long way, alright already. You had a strong story then you fell into the same old trap other authors do.
3. Went from strong story line to weak finish.
Your way too talented an author to feel you need lose your story to gibberish. So much in the end could have been told so tastefully. Love making is beautiful but like the old saying goes....Less is More! A little goes a long way! and Leave something for the imagination. Sexy should be subtlety expressed with same effect with a good story teller.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2013These are nicely fleshed out characters who are completely in synch with the original P&P. The many pages of conversations are thoroughly engaging. I enjoyed the interplay with the flower bouquets, which was much more interesting than I expected (not being an avid gardener). Overall, it is a delightful book. The only element that prevents me from giving it 5 stars is the unbelievably high level of angst Darcy and Elizabeth experience regarding each other's feelings despite lots of shared heated gazes, pleasant conversations with blatant hints, and the fact that, regardless of the dropped flower, the bouquets they gather for each other clearly express way more than friendship. But for those readers who love lots of Darcy-and-Elizabeth together and in love, this book is a sure winner. Roughly the last quarter of it focuses on the first days of their marriage. If you object to any explicit sexual content, it may not be your cup of tea, but I found those scenes very sweet and, at times, funny as Darcy tries to hold his ardor in check through the 2-day trip to Pemberley while Elizabeth is comparatively naive and clueless, unintentionally making it more difficult for him. All in all, a very entertaining read!
Top reviews from other countries
- CristinaReviewed in Brazil on July 11, 2024
4.0 out of 5 stars A fun love story
This variation is very fun, I liked it, but changing Mr. Darcy's personality from serious, proud to insecure and then making him a professional lover at the end, made him caricatured. But I laughed a lot at the beginning.
- LHReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 16, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
I think Linda Beutler writes beautifully a
nd this is one of my favourites of her work. She always gets the characterisation of Lizzy and Darcy (indeed, all the characters, as Jane, Bingley and Georgians are great too) spot on, and does a wonderful job with the spice. Really recommend this read.
- MartaReviewed in Australia on June 22, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars I love it
This has been a delight to read. Several very touching moments made me cry such as when both Elizabeth and Darcy sobbed on Mrs Reynolds’ shoulder.
The subtle study of flowers and other herbs is not only ingenious but also very educational. But most importantly the link of the flowers to their love is beautiful. Love the steaming parts. Well done and thank you.
- Maddy DohertyReviewed in Australia on April 24, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a good read
I’m not the biggest fan of misunderstands as I find they can be drawn out overlong and make for a boring read.
This book deals with misunderstandings in the way that makes them pleasant. Loved reading it and will add it to my re read list.
- BordererReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 9, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars A good P&P variation except!!!!!!
I would have gladly given this variation a 5 star rating if not for the finishing chapters, which follow the marriage of E & D. The sexual descriptions went on and on and on, in such a detailed and unnecessary way that it spoilt the ending of the book in my opinion. I skipped through the final chapters, surely we don't need to know in such an explicit way what happened their wedding night?