The Cheapside Runners

A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By: Wade H Mann

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Fitzwilliam Darcy owes a debt to the most unexpected of men—a tradesman from Cheapside who rescued his sister from certain ruin. When Mr. Gardiner of the "Cheapside Runners" intervenes to stop George Wickham's scheme, Darcy must confront his own prejudices and failings. His attempts to repay the debt lead to a humbling encounter that forces him to question everything he thought he knew about proper behavior and true gentility.

As Darcy resolves to improve himself, he encounters a puzzling young woman in Hertfordshire who, despite her apparent intelligence and charm, seems determined never to exchange a single word with him. Could there be a connection between this mysterious lady and the man from Cheapside who set him on his path to self-improvement?

A tale of unexpected connections, reluctant growth, and the challenge of becoming worthy of love.

Excellent

Held my attention throughout. It was different from any other variation but all the characters are present. Elizabeth runs a school to teach unruly girls how to behave. Darcy has to work hard to win her affection. The virtual voice was good.

Elizabeth character development

Elizabeth working for women empowerment!
Active Elizabeth using her energy to help other women and become a business woman in her own right rather than being a favorite of the Gardiners.

I liked it

I liked this book because it does everything that I have wanted to have happen both in reading Pride and Prejudice as well as all the variations of it. Elizabeth takes her sisters and others to task in the school she has opened for young women who need to be taught the finer points of life according to Lizzy. Basically they learn how to protect themselves from the world, as well as protect others.
There is a lot of time spent going through the same lessons as Lizzy's students. I suspect some readers may not appreciate this aspect of the story. There were many details and some repetition as if the author wanted the readers to learn all these things too. I found it interesting but even as I listened to it all, I had the feeling it wouldn't go over well for a good portion of readers.
The romance was secondary to the main plot of the school. But I didn't really mind that either. Darcy has nothing but admiration for Elizabeth and her school, once he figures out who she is. The decision to court and marry was just a small part of the ending but it did show how well they will work together in the future.
I listened to the audiobook with a virtual voice narrator. it is mediocre at best. It would have been so much better with a real narrator.

Loved this version

Elizabeth took control of her life early and made the best life for her sisters and friends. Loved that she was always one step ahead.

Whoa - this is Some Lizzy <> VV is Pretty Good

Another amusing - and unusual - variation from this author. Quite a Different Lizzy Bennet after an experience when she was 15 sends her to her Uncle Gardiner. A Tougher, Smarter, Lizzy - much better equipped to deal with roguish males. I very much enjoyed this variation (or maybe it should be vagary). Many great scenes, lots of good dialogue, humor and some very interesting (and thoughtful) details of what women were up against in Regency times. Mr. Mann always comes up with creative ideas for his stories. Can’t wait for his next. And I recommend the other variations or vagaries he has on Audible. The Virtual Voice is pretty good - some flaws but overall good.