Review copy was received from Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Trouble With Friends by Kelly Miller Published by Self-Published on October 24, 2023
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 211
Format: eARC
Source: Author
Goodreads
Amazon
A country miss from a modest estate may destroy Fitzwilliam Darcy’s closest friendship!Darcy and his good friend Simon Lockhart are guests of Charles Bingley at Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire. When the otherwise sensible Lockhart becomes infatuated with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, who has neither wealth nor a renowned family name, Darcy attempts to make his friend see reason. But there is a complication—Darcy’s growing attraction for Miss Elizabeth.
Elizabeth has an instant liking for the amiable Mr. Lockhart, whilst she deems the arrogant Mr. Darcy to be an undesirable entity. In time, though, she is coaxed into judging Mr. Darcy anew. But when an unexpected predicament forces her to make an undesirable choice, it seems all hope of a happy outcome is lost.
A light, sparkling Pride & Prejudice variation exploring the fun of multiple suitors, misunderstandings, and true love finding a way. Kelly Miller has provided stories over the years that run the gamut from light to deeply emotional occasionally dipping into paranormal or suspense to add a further layer. In the instance of The Trouble With Friends, the tone harks back to the classic Regency Romp and I was down for that.
Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy meet with less pride and less prejudice involved but Darcy’s sense of duty to family and class differences along with someone’s lies aren’t the only barriers for this couple. Darcy and Bingley both have competition for their love interests from a worthy man of class and wealth. Just as Elizabeth has more in common with her sister Lydia than she would like, when rumors that affect her reputation cause her to be induced, not by love, but circumstances into matrimony.
I had a good time with these characters as they seemed to swap in and out of courtship pairings. It was humorous, but there was also an interesting path to love for all concerned. What was unique and I enjoyed a great deal was seeing Elizabeth make a stronger connection with her younger sister Mary and also Darcy’s sister, Georgiana. Mary is socially awkward and has heard from her own relations that she’s not pretty, but Elizabeth works to help Mary understand she’s not plain and she just needs to step out of her shell more. Georgie is shy, but she also calls Elizabeth on one of her fears and helps her as much as she helps Georgie. Elizabeth still misunderstands Mr. Darcy at times, but she also sees him better through his friends and his younger sisters’ eyes.
I enjoyed this light and quick read that had some fun romantic comedy entanglements and heartwarming characters all rolled into one.
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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Thank you, Sophia, I appreciate the review!
Glad to share about such a fun and engaging one, Kelly.
Sounds like another fun reimagining of Pride and Prejudice! Wonderful review, Sophia!
Oh yes! Add comedy and I’m hooked. I just can’t get enough of them, Rachel. 🙂
I enjoyed this book a great deal. It was one of my fave from 2023.
That means a lot coming from you, Suzan. 🙂 This one hit the spot for me, too.
I enjoyed your review of this. That cover is too cute too.
Thanks Mary! I do love that cover. 🙂
Yea for finding another good PP adaptation!
You know me. LOL My radar is tuned for them. 🙂
Self-pubs always make me a hair nervous, but I’m glad this seemed to work out okay!
I get what you mean. I think Kelly must have a fab editor b/c her books always feel polished up nice when I read them.
Fun! I love retellings/reimaginings like this! Great review.
Glad to put this one on your radar, Lisa. 🙂