Elizabeth Bennett's Inheritance by Laraba Kendig Narrator: Harry Frost
Series: Darcy and Elizabeth Courtship #1
Published by Self-Published on October 26, 2023
Genres: Historical Romance
Length: 10 hours, 44 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Gift
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible
February of 1812 brings startling news to Longbourn; a distant relation has left Elizabeth an astonishing fortune. She is overwhelmed by a multitude of suitors in pursuit of her wealth but is determined to never marry a man who only loves her money.
Jane Bennet is devastated that Mr. Bingley fled Netherfield and abandoned their budding romance. Will his apologies and renewed attention be enough, or will Colonel Fitzwilliam win Jane’s heart?
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the master of Pemberley, sought to elude his fascination with Elizabeth but soon discovers that he is hopelessly in love with her, and he despairs when he learns that she despises him.
Elizabeth once found Mr. Darcy to be the most insufferable of gentlemen ... could he now be the perfect man for her?
In an intriguing plot twist, the author poses the question, ‘what if Elizabeth Bennet was as wealthy as Darcy, himself?’ Laraba Kendig’s Pride and Prejudice variation tale takes familiar characters along new paths as a result.
Elizabeth Bennet’s Inheritance begins with Elizabeth Bennet learning that an older relation of her Aunt Gardiner whom Elizabeth kept up a correspondence with since she was a young girl died and left her a sizeable fortune.  Handsome, but arrogant Fitzwilliam Darcy and the Bingleys have left the neighborhood and ghosted her beloved sister Jane. Charmer Wickham had already poisoned Elizabeth to Darcy’s character so she felt ‘good riddance’ to all of them. But now, Elizabeth’s status as poor daughter of a minor country gentleman vaults to that of heiress worthy to grace London society in a heartbeat. This will alter the path of not only Elizabeth, but her entire family. She is now the equal- or better- to those who disdained her status and she now has to fend off fortune hunters right and left.
I thought it was interesting that Elizabeth now got a taste of Darcy’s life and, without Darcy telling her the truth about Wickham, he exposed his own flawed greedy character when he discovered she was an heiress. The conflict between Elizabeth and Darcy was there, but gentler. Darcy made self-discoveries about his flaws and Elizabeth understood she’d allowed prejudice to guide her about Darcy without the need for acrimonious scenes between them. It was interesting to see what having them meet again in London as equals did to their story and slow burn romance.
While Elizabeth was getting a reset with Darcy, Jane had two primary suitors and I liked this Jane who was kind and generous in nature, but she had a clear view of others around her, too. I liked the author told the Bennet’s story and not just Elizabeth’s after the inheritance affected them all. I really enjoyed the story path she gave Elizabeth’s wild hoyden of a sister, Lydia.
There was conflict mostly from external sources, but this was a very low-angst piece that was warm and gently charming. An inspirational motif was strong in places, but not preachy.
All in all, I was well satisfied with this sweet historical romance variation on Jane Austen’s original P&P and recommend it to those who want a light, slow-burn, and low-angst style story.
Narration:
Harry Frost is a talented narrator and I really enjoyed his voice work for the large cast of characters and the extra depth he gave an already good story.
Listen to the clip: HERE
Audiobook gift from author on October 28, 2023Â (currently $24.95 at Audible as of writing this post)
Overall rating 4.31 with 537 ratings and 45 reviews
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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I like this idea, especially seeing that Elizabeth learns the truth about Wickham on her own and also gets first hand experience of Darcy’s life fending off fortune hunters. This is on my list, thank you for this post.
It was an interesting twist seeing what an inheritance could do. I think you’ll enjoy it, Glynnis. 🙂
Oh I bet any women who inherited a large fortune had to fight fortune hunters off with a stick back then. Sounds good. Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
You said it, Mary! Elizabeth got an eyeopener of just how obnoxious people could get over money.
After reading all of your reviews on P&P adaptations, I feel like this is a unique one for even you. I like the premise, especially with Elizabeth finding out things first hand/on her own.
Yes, you’re right. It was a different sort.
I love the twist. Lovely review Sophia!
Hehe, it was great.
I want it!!!
Super! Glad to put you onto it.
All the P&P!!!
For sure!