Please welcome Sophia Rose to the blog today with a historical romance novella. Grab a cup of cocoa and see why The Longbourn Entanglement by Monica Fairview was such a treat.
by Monica Fairview
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 151
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Elizabeth has a secret. If Darcy discovers it, will it spell the end of their fledgling romance?
When Mrs. Bennet falls ill after the Netherfield Ball, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley postpone their trip to London to offer their assistance. But things are never what they seem. Before long, Darcy is entangled in a chaotic situation at Longbourn, and Elizabeth is faced with a thorny dilemma that could drive Darcy away from her forever.
Will Elizabeth and Darcy muddle their way through the mayhem, or is everything just too tangled for them to find love?
If you are looking for a sweet, frolicsome Jane Austen short read, this romantic comedy is just what you need.
Sophia Rose’s Review
A comedy of errors ensues when an unwelcome proposal to one sister must be redirected toward another and a fabrication for the purpose gets out of hand, precipitating a new series of lies and a startling romantic possibility.
A Longbourn Entanglement is a novella-length Regency RomCom, something along the lines of a light, engaging Georgette Heyer novel though the characters are pulled from Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.
Mr. Darcy is prepared to decamp back to London and escape the temptation of sparkling country miss, Miss Elizabeth Bennet and he is determined to drag his amorous friend, Mr. Bingley, with him. Bingley has fallen hard for the gorgeous and serene eldest Miss Bennet, but Darcy is convinced that the romping, vulgar youngest sisters, their mother, and their connections with trade will do Bingley no favors.
But, before he can push Bingley into the carriage and be off, the silly Mr. Collins comes upon them with word of dire health at Longbourn. In spite of his desire to conquer his feelings, Darcy will not leave and will offer all he can to relieve Elizabeth’s fear and stress over a parent’s health collapse.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth isn’t pleased that her mother pretended to have apoplexy and her sister caused it by wanting Mr. Collins, the future heir of their estate, to herself- not that Elizabeth wanted the fawning, silly man for herself. But, the lie grows as now they must hide the family antics from Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley and then the apothecary. How will she ever get it all untangled and without losing Mr. Darcy’s respect and regard?
Not meant to be taken seriously, this was an old-style Regency romp that entertained with the hilarious plot points and had a budding romance tucked inside for good measure. Elizabeth formed a bad impression of Darcy because of his arrogance and her family caused him to shudder and want to avoid them in spite of his feelings, but Lydia’s shenanigans put the pair on a new path and a second chance to form different impressions. It read quickly and was great light entertainment that I can heartily recommend to sweet historical romance fans who love a dollop of humor.
The Longbourn Entanglement by Monica Fairview delivered an entertaining and hilarious old-style Regency romance. #SopiaRose #bookreview Share on XAbout Monica Fairview
Monica Fairview writes Jane Austen variations and sequels. After graduating from the University of Illinois, she worked as a literature professor and then as an acupuncturist in Boston before moving to London. Monica loves anything to do with the nineteenth century, and obsessively follows every period drama she can find. On rainy days, she loves to watch ‘Pride & Prejudice’ (all adaptations), ‘North & South’, ‘Cranford’, or ‘Downtown Abbey’. Apart from her avid historical interests, Monica enjoys reading fantasy and post-apocalyptic novels, but avoids zombies like the plague. She loves to laugh, drink lots of tea, and visit Regency houses, and she is convinced that her two cats can understand everything she says.
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About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Rachel
I do enjoy it when a story makes me laugh! P&P is meant to be laced with humor. I’d like to check this one out. Fab review, Sophia!
Sophia Rose
You and I think alike on P&P. I love the humor in it, too.
Lorna
Sounds like a fun historical uh would romp be the correct word? I’m one of those people that have never read Pride and Prejudice or Harry Potter. Loved the Emma Thompson movie though. Anyway, this does sound good! Thanks for sharing Sophia!
Sophia Rose
Romp would be precisely the right word. Loved Emma Thompson in Sense & Sensibility. 🙂
Lorna
Well I messed that up! I’ve been googling just now. I loved Sense and Sensibility and have seen it numerous times. I guess I just got the Darcy name mixed up in my head. Not hard to do with me these days!
Sophia Rose
Darcy is a wonderful hero. LOL, no worries. I thought you were just referring to another Austen book as one you had seen/read and you were. 😉
Carole @ Carole's Random Life
I think that this sounds like a fun story and novellas can be perfect when I don’t feel like committing to a longer book. Great review!
Sophia Rose
Exactly! Quick and sweet with a few chuckles. 🙂
Wendy Williams
I love P&P retellings, and I love some humor too! Lovely review Sophia!
Sophia Rose
Fun when there is something to tickle the funny bone while delivering a lovely retelling. Hope you get the chance, Wendy!
Glynis
Great review for a fabulous book! I love books with a bit of humour, I love Georgette Heyer books and I love a caring Darcy! Definitely a winner!
Sophia Rose
Thanks, Glynis! It was a sparkling one that I will read over again for sure. Yes, love that combo, too.
Debbie Haupt
Sophia Rose love this review short and sweet and Austen inspired is a win win!
xo
Sophia Rose
Score! Hope you get the chance, Debbie.
Maureen @ Maureen's Books
This sounds like a great read. And since I love Pride and Prejudice, I might have to check this one out 😉
Sophia Rose
It was a treat, Maureen. 🙂
Melliane
Oh it’s been so long since I haven’t read a retelling of the story!
Sophia Rose
I do love these quick, light ones. 🙂