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LL Diamond
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A Matter of Chance Kindle Edition

by L.L. Diamond (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 343 ratings
When single-mother Lizzy Gardiner meets William Darcy, he doesn't make the best of impressions. Can the two of them leave their pasts behind and find love with each other, or will the ghosts of the past return to keep them apart? Includes an A Matter of Chance vignette. This book has scenes with adult content and a bit of adult language.
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  1. Print length
    407 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    December 25, 2013
  4. File size
    4.0 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"What I loved most about this story was the admirable, strong characters and their sweet relationships with each other." - Austenesque Reviews
A Matter of Chance is a well-written retelling of Austen'sbeloved novel, and while it could stand on its own without theconnection to Darcy and Elizabeth, I was delighted to follow them intoanother place and time. Diamond captures the essence of Pride and Prejudice in these pages, showing how timeless the plot and characters truly are. - Diary of an Eccentric
"It was the blend of old and new, Austen's original dialogue and constant nods towards canon that endeared me to the story. The mixture of traditional and modern continued seamlessly throughout." - My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00GRDP8VU
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ L. L. Diamond
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 25, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 407 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 343 ratings

About the author

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LL Diamond

LL Diamond

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L. L. Diamond is more commonly known as Leslie to her friends, and Mom to her three kids. A native of Louisiana, she has followed her Air Force husband to duty stations including: Louisiana, Mississippi, California, Texas, New Mexico, Nebraska, England, Missouri, and Maryland.

Aside from mother and writer, Leslie considers herself a perpetual student. She has degrees in biology and studio art but will devour any subject of interest simply for the knowledge. As an artist, her concentration is in graphic design, but watercolor is her medium of choice with one of her watercolors featured on the cover of her second book, A Matter of Chance. She has multiple certifications in fitness and coaching swimming. When she’s not writing, she is Head Age Group coach of her swim team. She also plays flute and piano, but much like Elizabeth Bennet, she is always in need of practice!

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
343 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a wonderful read with a great love story and emotional journey. They describe it as an exceedingly enjoyable contemporary variation of Pride and Prejudice, with well-developed characters and a sweet daughter of Lizzy's. The writing quality receives mixed feedback, with some customers finding it well-written while others note it's repetitive. One customer particularly appreciates the southern backdrops and scenery.

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25 customers mention "Readability"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book wonderful and delightful, particularly appreciating the plot.

"I love this story. It is so sweet after Darcy pulls his head out!..." Read more

"...BUT, I still really enjoyed and liked the story. I don't think it's an appropriate parallel to P&P but it stands on its own merits...." Read more

"...Delightful story." Read more

"...Loved the development of their relationship, it was delightful to read. Ends in an epilogue and little vignette, some years hence...." Read more

15 customers mention "Romance"11 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as a great love story with sweetness throughout, and one customer notes there is no angst in the novel.

"...There are some tender moments & some humor too, but the sweetness of the story makes it a favorite that I come back to every year!..." Read more

"...Enjoyed the relationship between the couple with Jane and Charles. Many of the PnP characters show up and fit right in...." Read more

"A romantic love story that was particularly well adapted into the modern world...." Read more

"...Now, of course, all of these also take liberties with plot and premise but the personalities stay true to form which is what I'm looking for." Read more

8 customers mention "Enjoyment"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book exceedingly enjoyable as a contemporary variation of Pride and Prejudice.

"Enjoyable modern variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice...." Read more

"...just want to hang out with Elizabeth and Darcy in MIssissippi, it's a fun book...." Read more

"...An exceedingly enjoyable contemporary variation of our beloved Mr Darcy and Elizabeth's story. You will find Mr Wickham even more despicable here...." Read more

"I truly enjoyed this p&p variation, bringing this great love story into our time was a great idea. Definitely recommend" Read more

8 customers mention "Sweetness"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sweet, particularly appreciating the portrayal of Elizabeth and Darcy in a modern setting.

"I love this story. It is so sweet after Darcy pulls his head out!..." Read more

"...L. L. Diamond does a really good job bringing Darcy and Lizzy together...." Read more

"...Especially intrigued by the unique and inventive twist to Wickham and the generous amount of pages with ODC together...." Read more

"I like the idea of this story, and it's fun to see Elizabeth and Darcy in a modern setting, and especially in this nice southern setting...." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, with one customer noting how their personalities stay true to form throughout the story.

"...these also take liberties with plot and premise but the personalities stay true to form which is what I'm looking for." Read more

"...is something about this story I could not put down and fell in love with the characters, even though I don’t like stories having Elizabeth Bennet..." Read more

"...At the beginning, sparks fly between them. The characters are well-done and interesting...." Read more

"...The supporting cast of characters was also well played." Read more

4 customers mention "Scenery"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the southern backdrops and scenery in the book.

"...story takes place in Antebellum South with the beautiful plantations along the Mississippi River...." Read more

"...Liked the southern back drops and scenery. L. L. Diamond does a really good job bringing Darcy and Lizzy together...." Read more

"...and Darcy in a modern setting, and especially in this nice southern setting. At the beginning, sparks fly between them...." Read more

"...of what is here in the United States and there are many beautiful places to visit...." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing quality"4 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing quality of the book, with some finding it well written while others note issues with predictability and repetitive dialogue.

"I thought this book was well written and took a different turn than the usual P & P variation...." Read more

"...The only thing I will say is that most of the book was kind of predictable, but still an enjoyable read." Read more

"...Had I hard time putting the book down. I found it well written with few mistakes, a good read." Read more

"...My only criticism was that some of the dialogue was a little repetitive at times." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Ronda J.
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Matter of Chance is a Home Run!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I love this story. It is so sweet after Darcy pulls his head out!
    There are some tender moments & some humor too, but the sweetness of the story makes it a favorite that I come back to every year!
    Leslie Diamond is a genius with a big heart & a great imagination!
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  • SY
    4.0 out of 5 stars Diamond is a good writer. However the premise of this book had ...
    Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    3.5 STARS. I was resistant to read this story for a long time even though I had read Rain and Retribution and Unwavering Trust, liking both. Both these works convinced me that L.L. Diamond is a good writer. However the premise of this book had me seriously doubting whether I could suspend my disbelief enough to buy that Lizzy was a professional artist, single Mom, and a victim of domestic abuse. After finishing the book, I never did end up buying this premise. BUT, I still really enjoyed and liked the story. I don't think it's an appropriate parallel to P&P but it stands on its own merits. LLD is not the first author to take liberties with our favorite characters in this manner. Using P&P for a modern story is a double edged sword. I would have never given this book a chance w/o the draw of P&P. However, I was more critical of it as I was reading because I was continually comparing the character's personalities to the ones JA established in the original. I would have had no criticisms of this book if it weren't for this. I do not believe Lizzy would be any of the things LLD established in this book. For example, it's much more likely that Jane would be an artist and married for her parent's approval than Lizzy. Lizzy would more likely be the lawyer fighting to help and rescue her sister when needed. If you're itching for a good modern variation, there are better ones - The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy, The Muse, and Boots and Backpacking. Now, of course, all of these also take liberties with plot and premise but the personalities stay true to form which is what I'm looking for.
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  • Carol
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Matter of Chance
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyable modern variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. No matter what time in history Darcy and Elizabeth are written, his pride and her prejudice rules their first encounters. This story takes place in Antebellum South with the beautiful plantations along the Mississippi River. Lizzy has inherited Longbourn from her Aunt Mel Gardiner, and Jane, a prominent lawyer has written a legal document that prevents anyone from taking to plantation or money she inherited from her, including her good for nothing ex husband. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are a piece of work in this story. Originally made because she followed her dreams of being an artist and not a doctor or lawyer, they literally disown her and force her to marry Greg Wickham the son of her father's friend. Greg Wickham is not any better than George Wickham. After a harsh and brutal marriage, Lizzy finally takes shelter in Jane and Charles' home, Netherfield. Fast forward two years, and William Darcy has returned to Meryton as head of D&F enterprises returning from England fleeing for three years after the drunk driving accident that killed his father and sister. Having sold the family home, he moves into the guest house at Netherfield. Cannot keep his eyes off of Lizzy, but cannot keep his mouth shut either. After putting his large foot in his mouth several times matched with a none functioning brain, he and Lizzy have a screaming confrontation, not a marriage proposal but over a dinner date. Angry, frustrated, and determined William starts over to win her approval and affection. He has to accomplish this, because he is crazy about her and her two year old daughter, Melanie. Wanting nothing to do with her parents, two more unexpected confrontations, end her link to them forever. Twisted links between Darcy, Lizzy, and Greg bring a very happy ending for some of our characters, but not all. Delightful story.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • AAnderson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fell in love with this modern tale.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    There is something about this story I could not put down and fell in love with the characters, even though I don’t like stories having Elizabeth Bennet hurt or in some depressing traumatic experience. Liked the southern back drops and scenery.

    L. L. Diamond does a really good job bringing Darcy and Lizzy together. The things that keep them apart like his insult are incorporated into the story in a light way without the dramatics. It is predicable how the two’s traumatic experiences are interconnected but Darcy is true to stand in his love for Lizzy and her daughter. Enjoyed the relationship between the couple with Jane and Charles. Many of the PnP characters show up and fit right in. The bonus scene at the very end of the book was true to a child’s imagination.

    One I would read again and recommend to friends.
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Modern, off canon variation of PnP.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    A romantic love story that was particularly well adapted into the modern world.
    Especially intrigued by the unique and inventive twist to Wickham and the generous amount of pages with ODC together.

    Single mom, Elizabeth, was introduced to her brother-in-law's haughty friend. His off-standish attitude did not endear him to her.
    He was only trying to quell his attraction by avoidance but when he finally caved in and asked her out, the reply was not what he was looking for.
    He managed to improve her opinion of him and a whirlwind romance followed. Loved the development of their relationship, it was delightful to read.
    Ends in an epilogue and little vignette, some years hence.

    The book contained descriptions of violence and mature content which makes it appropriate for adults.

    Heartily recommend this book!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • A Reader and a Writer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Needs more plot
    Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I like the idea of this story, and it's fun to see Elizabeth and Darcy in a modern setting, and especially in this nice southern setting. At the beginning, sparks fly between them. The characters are well-done and interesting. However, fairly early in the book all is resolved and there is little real plot development and not much conflict, just their everyday interactions. And some pretty explicit sex scenes. But, if you just want to hang out with Elizabeth and Darcy in MIssissippi, it's a fun book. (There are references to spousal abuse; though I think it's all off-scene.)
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • verena
    4.0 out of 5 stars Ein nettes Sequel
    Reviewed in Germany on March 14, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Diese moderne P&P-Variation hat mir ganz gut gefallen und ich kann sie guten Gewissens weiterempfehlen. Die Geschichte beginnt mit Rückblicken auf Lizzy und ihre Zeit mit Wickham (als ob die Familie sie hätte zwingen können, den Mann zu heiraten...). Das hat mich leicht irritiert. Danach liest es sich aber eigentlich ganz gut. Die beiden Hauptprotagonisten finden recht bald zusammen - da hätte ich in paar Verzögerungen/ Missverständnisse/ Steine im Weg nicht schlecht gefunden. Im Grunde ist es aber sehr nett zu lesen und am Ende wird es sogar (fast) noch spannend. Tatsächlich erahnt man gleich zu Beginn, wie die Sache enden wird. Das Lesevergnügen beeinträchtigt das aber nicht wirklich. "A Matter of Chance" ist meines Erachtens kein "Must have", aber für Fans ist es eine durchaus nette Unterhaltung.
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  • Judy Coldwell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    Reviewed in France on April 4, 2024
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    I’ve read a few books by this author, a couple of the modern stories had me in hysterics they were so funny. This isn’t one of those. This grabs you by the throat and makes your heart beat faster. The tension rises at certain points and keeps you enthralled and on tenterhooks. Having said that this is a wonderful love story, the characters are all so vivid and alive and have you rooting for them and their happy endings. I also loved that Lizzy’s birthday is the same date as mine 💕
    I shall read this again and again … do yourself a favour and read it.
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  • Alexa
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
    Reviewed in Australia on June 26, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this, though it could have done being written with a little more passion. However, I would recommend to someone to read :)
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  • Tamara
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love you modern Mr Darcy!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 21, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is my first modern JAFF !! I finally plucked up the courage to move out of the Regency era and luckily for me this book did not disappoint!' I think the key for me was whether I would be able to recognise Austen's Darcy 200 hundred years later and the answer was yes. Surprisingly a modern day Mr Darcy seemed more tangible, 1800's Darcy is a fantasy, yet modern Mr Darcy seemed real!!!
    With a no nonsense approach we get straight into this story. After Elizabeth's failed marriage to an alcoholic wife beater, Greg Wickham, (oh why does that not surprise me!) Elizabeth turns up on Jane and Bingley's door step battered, bruised and about to give birth. Fast forward two years and Lizzy is ready to move on, taking possession of an antebellum house called Longbourn, which was left to her by her aunt Gardiner. At the same time Darcy returns from England and is staying at Jane and Bingley's guest house.
    It was the blend of old and new, Austen's original dialogue and constant nods towards canon that endeared me to the story. The mixture of traditional and modern continued seamlessly throughout. For example when Darcy, Richard and Bingley would retire to Bingley's study for glasses of scotch it reminded me of the Regency customs of propriety. Darcy was always the gentleman holding car doors open, (heck any door for that matter) offering his coat and the list of gentlemanly gestures went on!!
    Darcy offends Lizzy as per usual and instead of the grand gesture of saving Lydia, he has another grand gesture in mind. This goes some way towards making amends for his proud, haughty and insulting behaviour, wow 200 hundred years later and nothings changed! With references to the restoration of his ancestral home Pemberley, the author very cleverly ties in the current restoration work that is taking place at Chatsworth house as her model for a painting Lizzy does. So it would seem Austen's Darcy is modern Mr Darcy's ancestor.

    "Lizzy was shocked when she came in the room to find her daughter sleeping soundly in William Darcy’s lap. What was even more incredible was that he didn’t seem to mind it in the least. In fact, he was stroking her hair softly as he spoke with Charles. She’d noticed early on how handsome he was, but he’d often ruined her appreciation of his looks with his haughty demeanor. Now, he was sitting there, cradling Melanie in such a gentle manner, that she found herself genuinely attracted to him. What was it about a man holding a baby that could generate lust in the most frigid of women? Jane had commented after Melly was born how sexy she found Charles when he held the baby. Lizzy had never seen Charles as anything more than her brother, so she hadn’t truly understood the comments until now." -L.L.Diamond

    This Darcy was likeable and swoonworthy! Put into one word, he was adorable. Funnily enough Darcy was the prejudiced one, while Lizzy was the proud one. Lizzy is a lovely person (no surprises there) and I took to her quickly. Her daughter was cute and watching Darcy take on the role of her father was heart warming to see. Jane, Bingley and Richard were there in the all the essentials and you could definitely relate them to canon.
    Witnessing Darcy gain Lizzy's trust after her terrible marriage to Greg Wickham was enjoyable. Although not a clean read I enjoyed how the author tackled the issue around such subjects and it was very tastefully done. Elizabeth had already been married and Wickham had been her only partner. While Darcy although no stranger to the bed, was a gentleman in all the ways I would imagine him to be in the 20th century, where old ideals are so far and few between.
    Elizabeth is an artist in this and considering the Author is also, it was easy for her to portray Elizabeth as an artist also. As we know food plays an important role in Austen's books and tells the reader a lot, simply by the dishes that are cooked. I can only surmise that the author is a lover of food because you are often left hungry. I have a very unadventurous palate as I am a fussy eater but even I was left curious as what some of the dishes would taste like. Oh how I could I forget! Mrs Reynolds is in this and is as delightful as ever, she can cook too!
    If I must offer any criticism is it petty and will be short lived, so here goes, as in Diamond's other novel Rain and Retribution the remaining Bennets are antagonists that I loathe dislike, there I said it!
    Back to pleasantries I really enjoyed seeing what a modern day Darcy would be like, I think what is unique in comparison to Regency set JAFF's is that you get a mixture of what Darcy is like before and after marriage. For instance when Darcy is at Elizabeth's house while they are dating, he would often come up behind her and give her a hug, these are what I call 'sweet Darcylicious intimacy moments' that you would only get after marriage in a Regency novel. I have no scruples in admitting that as a result of these 'Darcylicious moments' I am now eager to read some more modern takes on Pride and Prejudice! Thank you Diamond for a delightful introduction to 'modern Mr Darcy'!

    Originally posted at My Kids led me Back to Pride and Prejudice http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.com/ I gave this 4 and half stars!
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  • Nathalie L.
    3.0 out of 5 stars Une question de chance
    Reviewed in France on July 17, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Une variation agréablement écrite et l'adaptation des personnages et de leurs circonstances au monde moderne sonne juste à mes yeux. L'histoire d'amour est touchante et cela fait un bon livre à dévorer le week-end. Les personnages sont pleins de vie et, bien sûr, ce Monsieur Darcy est parfois un peu "overbearing", mais on lui pardonne.
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