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Dearest Friends
- A Jane Austen Inspired Novel (Austen Inspired Romance, Book 1)
- Narrated by: Brigid Lohrey
- Series: Austen Inspired Romance Series, Book 1
- Length: 14 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Romance, Historical
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very good book, excellent audio
- By Tolla on 24-02-22
Summary
The historical romance Dearest Friends retells Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice as a sensual adventure that will delight a modern audience.
Fitzwilliam Darcy left Hertfordshire following a friend’s betrayal, but his heart remained with Elizabeth Bennet, the impertinent beauty who captured his attention in ways no woman ever had before. When he encounters her unexpectedly in London, he realizes he can no longer live without her and begins his pursuit for her hand. When he finds that Elizabeth is not free to marry, will he again walk away, or will he fight for the lady he loves?
While Darcy and Elizabeth pursue their own happiness, around them friendships progress to love and infatuation leads to disappointment. Join a group of unlikely friends as they support our dear couple on their journey, each treading unique paths along the way.
Warning: contains mature content
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What listeners say about Dearest Friends
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Jane
- 11-10-21
DNF: a lot of things didn't make sense
I stopped listening at chapter 6. Don't know how I made it that far. I do not recommend.
If you want to try it, set the speed at 1.25×. The narration isn't bad, but isn't pleasant to listen to either.
The liberties that Darcy is taking with Elizabeth from their first chance meeting in London after the Neathefield ball are outrageous for the time. He also kisses her the second day and calls her "my love" and Elizabeth is all down with it because she realized that he was in love with her and somehow fell in love herself?
These characters have nothing in common with Jane Austen's novel.
2 people found this helpful
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- Sherrie Jones
- 11-03-21
Character personality changes are interesting
I really enjoyed this story, although the narrator took some getting used to, so be advised. She gets a touch “sing songy” from time to time which can be annoying, but stick with it if you can.
ODC do stay fairly true to canon, but there is one area where they were not Austenesque. There were a few times I said “Fitzwilliam Darcy! Shame on you!” Lol. One line in the story tells it this way “Knowing Darcy, Ms.Elizabeth’s virtue may be a bit jostled, but is firmly intact”. Yeah, he was sorely tempted by Lizzie’s mere presence and he was a little less “gentlemanly” than we would expect. Lizzie, being adventurous in nature, did not help him stay clear of temptation either. Needless to say, this is a pretty mature version.
Some of the others don’t even try to stay true to canon. Mr.Bennet, in particular, is the villain of the piece, and some we have loved to hate are down right likeable.
1 person found this helpful
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- Sophia Rose
- 23-02-21
A Burning Romance, Gothic Overtones, Family Saga
A spicy romance, a gothic plot, and a large colorful cast of characters living and loving against the backdrop of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice was a feast for my ears as I listened in to this historical romance variation story.
In the original Pride & Prejudice one gets a genteel, witty story of class difference romance, duty and family, and a light classical delight. In this nod to the original, there is added to the Regency world intrigue, manipulation, an exploration of sensual delight for the main romance pair, and a large cast of characters who are given sub-plots of their own. It becomes a family saga that expands from the early section of the book that focuses on the courtship- a very sexy one for a pair who come together quickly, I might add- to take in the scope of members of their extended family and friends building friendship and romantic relationships of their own.
For those coming to the story with a basic historical romance in mind, this change-up in the story might come as something of surprise because the romance of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth is not the only focal point through a portion of the end story. They are there and definitely loving their way through life, but other character stories and elements rise to share equal focus. At its core, this story explores how people respond to life’s trials. Do they step up and cling to good principles or do they give in to base instinct- even throwing a loved one under the carriage wheels to save themselves? I thought it was an interesting way to strip people down to their core selves. Some fell, but rose again and others chose to take the easiest path. So, yes, great character exploration going on besides the salacious romance and intrigue.
In fact, I will commit a sacrilege to P&P lovers to say that I was more intrigued by some of the side characters in Dearest Friends though not to say I didn’t love this lovey-dovey Darcy and Elizabeth. A warrior and slightly ruthless Uncle Gardiner, a bright and good Miss Mary, a tarnished, but redeemable Viscount Hedley, and even an envious, grasping Jane were all absolutely amazing. I was glad to delve into all their lives and was left wanting more- thankfully there is a sequel.
This was my first time listening to narrator Brigid Lohrey and I thought she wielded a great talent to handle such a large cast of characters of gender, age, and class distinction even some regional dialect changes were evident. She put emotion and pacing to good use. I definitely want more of her work.
All in all, this was a deeply satisfying listen and I can recommend it to not only Austen fans, but those who adore spicy historical romance and family sagas.
1 person found this helpful
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- Marie
- 20-02-21
Excellent story and narration
A favorite Pride and Prejudice variation. Pamela Lynne’s book is excellent as is the narration by Brigid Lohrey.
1 person found this helpful
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- Christina H.
- 14-12-21
So good!
I loved this narrator. Her Lady Matlock voice was spot on lol. I ended up answering a question asked in the story, it felt like I was just listening to a friend tell a story and so I answered her question. My husband looked at me in confusion and asked 'Yes, what?' I burst into laughter. It was great.
Her Lady Matlock and Caroline Bingley are hilarious. I laughed when I heard them.
The story is good. I have read and listened to it many times. And will continue to do so for a very long time.
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- Judy P.
- 19-05-21
Good audio book
The narrator was good. Not annoying or too wild in characters like some. The story was great. I read the book and wanted to listen to it while driving. It was enjoyable and I look forward to the next book in audio form.
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- Fabulous Mrs B
- 16-02-21
Great story
This is a great story. I wanted to continue and I think it will. Looking forward to the next part. Well written and the narrator did a great job.
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- Kindle Customer
- 19-01-21
2021 started very well
2021 I read the ebook years ago and when I saw the audiobook version released, I had to have it. This is an incredibly moving book. The narrator really brought the book to life. I love this author/narrator combination. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE AUDIOBOOK.