Forgotten Betrothal

A Variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (Unabridged)

By: L.M. Romano

Narrated by: Maddie McGowan

Enlightenment dawned, sharp and painful in its glaring exactitude. He knew. From the moment she had uttered her true name, he had known that she was not free. So why was he here? Why did he still look at her in that way? Why could she see the adoration in his eyes and the torment in his features? Had he come to say goodbye? To leave her to this fate?

Confused and chastened following her cruel rejection of Mr. Darcy’s proposal, Elizabeth Bennet returns to her aunt’s home in Gracechurch Street. Unable to find solace while pondering her terrible misjudgment of his character, she is overwhelmed with guilt for how she treated the puzzling gentleman from Derbyshire. Fitzwilliam Darcy has retreated to his London home after being spurned by the lady he loves, and after serious reflection has come to the realisation that he never deserved Elizabeth’s good opinion.

A chance encounter with Mr. Darcy brings Elizabeth the opportunity to seek forgiveness, and possibly, a new start to their budding romance. But the introduction of a stranger into Elizabeth’s life threatens to reveal old family secrets that have the potential to truly unravel her world and all that she holds dear.

©2021 L.M. Romano (P)2021 Quills & Quartos Publishing

Excellent book, very good narration

This book, which I read in May 2021, also presents well as an audiobook. The narration by Maddie McGowan, who is new to me, is very good. I would have liked a lower register for the voice of some male characters, Mr. Bennet in particular. Also her pronunciation of de Bourgh (Burr) seemed off, as well as the word reticule (sounded like recticule. Overall I still give the audiobook five stars. Well done.

A touching story

Elizabeth’s meeting of a stranger in a park turns her world upside down. Just as she begins to understand her feelings for Darcy she is faced with the demands of her new life. Family, status, and marriage prospects.
I enjoyed this story snd the narrator was great bringing the story to life.

Romantic, witty, interesting and Jane Austeny

I was pleasantly surprised by this audio book since I didn't know the author or the narrator. I loved the premise, the way the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy progressed, the low angst and the dialogue.
I also appreciated the fact that the characters stayed true to the original portrail.
At times I would have liked to hear less about the secondary characters, but once I discovered that it didn't take any time from the main characters interaction I was happy to go along with the side stories.
I wholeheartedly recommend this to any Pride and Prejudice lover. I look forward to this author's next book!

Great compliment to a beloved story

Listening or reading this novel will be a delight to those who have loved the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. This story was able to take an idea that would have been plausible and link directly into the well known story that Jane Austen penned so many years back.
The language was so familiar to how Austen wrote that this novel felt like it was from the same era.
I was able to listen this in less than a week while also reading the novel in paperback form as well.
The performance was very well done and an enjoyment to listen to. It is highly likely I will listen again.

Pretty good

This was a very good story. The final four hours were more of an extended work-it-out session between all parties involved. While it's good to get everything out in the open, it felt like a family therapy session. I'd have preferred a bit more angst, but it's still a solid story.