Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Folly of Youth by Amy D'Oragzio Published by Quills & Quartos Publishing on April 10, 2023
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 408
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon
My own folly had endangered me, my preservation I owe to the kindness, the integrity of another… IN 1808, ELIZABETH BENNET is young, curious, and in possession of an invitation to a London party which she ought not to attend. Unable to resist the temptation, Elizabeth indulges her wish to see a party of the beau monde and finds herself in a dangerous situation. She is saved from a desperate fate by Mr Darcy of Pemberley but relief is short-lived; Mr Gardiner arrives and demands satisfaction on behalf of his young niece’s honour.
BOUND FOR THREE YEARS—with no intent to marry on either side—Mr Darcy and Elizabeth both resolve to do as they must to end their unwanted almost-betrothal. Mr Bennet however refuses to allow it, fearing that Elizabeth’s character will bear a permanent stain that no amount of time or money could erase. Together, Darcy and Lizzy contrive a plan to overcome her father’s Darcy will find her someone else to marry, thus relieving himself of the obligation. THE FOLLY OF THEIR YOUTH, it seems, might be set to rights after all, until feelings arise which complicate the scheme. But will they realise their true attachment before it’s too late?
One naïve choice can and does change the course of one gently-bred girl’s life forcing her to take the long, painful road to lasting happiness and romance. Over the years, Amy D’Orazio has dazzled me with her intriguing story setups, plot twists, and colorful characters and A Folly of Youth was no exception.
A Folly of Youth speculates about what would happen if a couple met in London, when they were young and immature, fresh off some youthful mistakes. Then a little later, more mistakes out of misunderstanding and frustration when they encounter once again in Hertfordshire. But, then a parting for a longer period of time to grow in life experience and a little polish. To see something of the world and understand a bit more so the final meeting in Bath they see each other with new eyes though it takes a few encounters before old prejudices can be set aside and they slowly go from friends to more. Elizabeth was the more injured party as young women often were when at the mercy of selfish and heedless parents and societal view of a woman’s reputation compared to a man’s.
There was drama, but it was organic in keeping with their situations. To balance the drama, there is a secondary romance that was sparkling and light involving Darcy’s cousin, Lord Saye and Elizabeth’s friend, Miss Goddard. I enjoyed Darcy and Elizabeth’s hard fought, slow burn romance juxtaposed with Saye’s hilarious dialogue and his romp of a romance. Darcy’s antics once he started setting Elizabeth up with eligible suitors and then not liking them was amusing, but I liked him see what a prize woman he was missing out on and coming to realize it almost too late and by then, Elizabeth had pretty much lost all patience with his pride and blindness so she was getting ready to settle. Great tension and a riveting climax as a result.
All in all, I closed this book on a sigh of satisfaction for a deeply good romance and fabulous historical setting and cast of characters and their stories around the main couple. This is based on Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, but the readers unfamiliar with it can pick this up as a wholly original, standalone sweet historical romance and dive right in- which I recommend you do.
As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing.Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience so many wonderful books, authors, and narrators.Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance.Though, sorry, no horror or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby.
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Reimaginings of P&P can be such fun reads. I’ve read and enjoyed several and it sounds like this particular one was done really well. 😀
I’ve really come to appreciate this author’s variation with their blend of comedy, drama, and heartwarming romance.
Hopefully not too angsty. Although I don’t think Saye will allow too much angst before getting involved. I love the idea of Darcy trying to set Elizabeth up with others then being jealous! Loving this idea.
No, it never got too angsty though one can see how it might. Haha, no, Saye kept things light, Glynnis. You’d have a good time with this one.
I’m sure growing in maturity would help a relationship/romance. This sounds like a nice P&P variation. Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Sophia!
Yes, it was neat seeing them grow up and appreciate each other differently when they finally met in Bath. 🙂
I know how much you love these Austenesque retellings! Glad it was such a hit for you though. I love that the drama is balanced out with other elements.
Great review darling!
You know me well, Renee. LOL Yes, it was great to get a good balance of emotional elements.
Good to know that even though I haven’t read pride and prejudice that I could pick this up and read it with no problem.
I like that its open to anyone picking it up, too, Mary. Lord Saye and his mischief is not to be missed. 🙂
awww P&P. I need some P&P in my life soon.
I second that motion. 🙂
Inspired of Pride & Prejudice, and done right too? This sounds like a winner for anyone looking for a healthy dose of romance and drama! Great review, Sophia! 🙂
Ha, yes, it was set in the Jane Austen world well and told a rousing good tale. 🙂