Wednesday 4 June 2014

Review & Giveaway! The Perfect Match - A Pride & Prejudice Sequel by Lory Lilian


This book is what I would call, an understated, little gem!
You need look no further than the last chapter in Austen's Pride and Prejudice to understand Lory's vision for this book and to my sheer delight, her inspiration is the 1995 P&P with Firth and Ehle, squeak!!!.

For me the last chapter in P&P conveyed so much, yet gave so little, I selfishly wanted more and this little darling of a book does precisely that! When I was speaking to Lory about this book she said "Elizabeth and Darcy are meant to be the happiest couple in the world, right?" And I could not agree more!

 Therefore if you were expecting Elizabeth and Darcy to be anything other than happy or for the Colonel to get horrifically injured or for some other ghastly mishap to take place, then you will be sorely disappointed. However, if like me, you believed Darcy and Elizabeth would have their happily ever after, then I am certain you will appreciate and enjoy this story, as much as I did.

Following Elizabeth and Darcy for little over a year, their first Christmas is spent at Pemberley along with the Bennets, the Gardiners and the Bingleys (yes including the Bingley sisters). You will be pleased to know that Mrs Gardiner's wish to tour the grounds in a small phaeton, were realised. Between June and August Darcy takes Elizabeth on a tour of England.
Returning to London in November to spend the season, we catch up with the two lovebirds at Darcy house. The Bingleys are to host a joint anniversary dinner and Lady Matlock, displeased that the Darcy's forewent the previous season, is eager for Elizabeth to throw a ball and be properly introduced to society.

"Darcy helped Elizabeth sit near Georgiana then took a place right across from her as he always did. She had asked him some time ago why he did not sit beside her at the table, and he had answered that he preferred to have a full view of her beautiful face and to enjoy her smiles, her fine eyes, and all the small gestures that for such a long time he had admired only from afar. Now, more than ever before, she could feel his eyes caressing her while the servants brought the first course and the others asked Darcy about his journey." - Lory Lilian

I loved this story for too many reasons to mention, but what I liked most, was that Lory tried to keep the characters as close to Austen's as possible in regards to how they might behave. For instance Mrs Bennet was kept how I like her, a little over the top but sensible enough not to ruin her daughter's marriages and reputations amongst the ton or the Matlocks for that matter! Lets not forget the business of her life, was to see her daughters married and I am sure she would do nothing to jeopardise that.
Lory does a exceptional job in addressing and expanding on the brief glimpse of the future Austen left us. I liked how the gradual change Bingley undertakes is conveyed, as he tries to gain his assertiveness in his new found position as husband and his conflict of interest in light of how his sisters behave. How would it have been? Although Caroline would not have been insensible in preserving her right to visit Pemberley, it does not follow that she would be so altered that her manner would soften towards Jane. As Mr Bennet observed, Bingley and Jane are so easy and generous that It came as no surprise that their marriage would run into a few problems. Darcy and Elizabeth had their fair amount of trials and tribulations in P&P but I felt Bingley and Jane's were on the horizon. After all, Elizabeth gained a sweet and loving sister in Georgiana but the same could not be said for Jane. Elizabeth was not settled too near her family, Yet Jane was just a stones throw from Longbourn!

"Mr. Darcy’s “ten thousand a year,” his estates, and his wealth meant little to her. His best qualities—those for which she felt herself blessed—were his generous nature, his kindness, his honesty, his fairness, his intelligence and knowledge of the world, his love of books, art and everything beautiful—and his love and passion for her. His dark gaze and small, hidden smiles when he looked at her, his soft, low voice whispering to her, his strong yet tender hands that offered her safety, warmth, caresses, and . . . Her own thoughts made her tremble," - Lory Lilian

The details for me, are what Lory does best, every question I had, she answered. For instance did Mr Bennet tell Mrs Bennet the truth about what Darcy had done for Lydia? It is these little details I appreciate because they are important to me and I think every Janiete can relate to that.
Keeping details realistic adds to the depth of a story, how did the Matlocks take to Elizabeth? How was she received by the ton? How did Darcy handle the fact that Wickham was part of the family? Lory pulled off a wonderful job in all aspects that mattered. Each of her Characters, old and new I adored and I frequently had a satisfied grin on my face.

My favourite scenes were Elizabeth's repartee with the Countess of  Jersey, a patroness of Almack's, Jane and Bingley's enlightenment to how they had misunderstood one another, Mrs Bennet's heart to heart with Elizabeth and Darcy's worry and outrage pertaining to Elizabeth's health.
There is something lovely about Darcy's protectiveness over Elizabeth, it is so masculine yet heart-warming because it conveys how much she means to him. They both love each other without question but by closely keeping to the original characters we do not get the overly passionate or unbelievable Darcy. We do not see a Darcy that cannot bare to be apart from Elizabeth for even a moment, he still pursues his manly pursuits like visiting his mens' club, while Elizabeth enjoys spending time with Georgiana, Jane and Mrs Gardiner.

“So she went alone? Twenty servants in this house, and she went alone? Where was everybody? Sarah, Mrs. Benson—and Stevens—I already had a decided discussion with him. Does no one attend to their duties when I am away?” - Lory Lilian

Elizabeth is quite the lady and it was great to witness how she handled herself in her new station in life, in one particular scene, I loved how she pacified Darcy's displeasure with his aunt, while still showing him the respect a husband like Darcy should garner, without belittling him in the presence of company. Another theme that ran throughout was Darcy and Elizabeth's connection, through knowing glances they silently communicated with one another. Remember the 1995 piano scene at Pemberley, when their eyes meet at the piano while she turns the pages for Georgiana, shortly after Caroline's thinly veiled attack, if you do, then you will know what I am talking about. I was unhappy that the story was not longer, I could have read another 100 pages, covering Georgiana's coming out and Elizabeth's presentation to court , but then it would be unfair to criticize a book that at 110 pages is described as a short story, there goes my selfishness again!

Capital! I was pleased with everyone and everything in this book, Mr Bennet's wit, Mrs Bennet's love for her daughters, Mrs Gardiner's wise presence, Caroline's disdain, Lady Matlock's tender concern and family loyalty in promoting the reputation of the Darcy's and lets not forget Colonel Fitzwilliam's jovial manner. Jane and Bingley were too sweet. Elizabeth was kind, loving and considerate. Darcy was a great friend, generous and most importantly a gentleman. It should come as no surprise that both couples were most certainly, a Perfect Match!

This book is worthy of 5 hearts - Mr Darcy!


Without further ado, the Giveaway!

Lory Lilian is kindly donating one Paperback copy and one Ebook copy of The Perfect Match! This giveaway is open internationally and the winners will be announced on the 11th June. The winners will have 48hrs to contact me via my 'contact me' tab, located at the top of my blog.
To be in with a chance of winning this delightful Pride and Prejudice continuation, just leave a comment below and state your preference in regards to a paperback or ebook copy! Good luck Everyone!!!!

      Ebook                Paperback





41 comments:

  1. I've had this book on my radar for a while now, I'd love to go into the draw for either the eBook or the paperback. Thank you! :)

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    1. Hello my lovely, always nice to have another Janiete stop by, I am sure you will enjoy. Good Luck in the giveaway!

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  2. I loved all of Lory Lilian's other books and look forward to reading this one as well. I would like the ebook in kindle format please.

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    1. Hello, I loved all of Lory's other works too! Remembrance is my favourite, Lory has another book due out in a couple of months I cannot wait. Good Luck in the giveaway!

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  3. What a great review -squeak! Sounds like the perfect story to fit into a busy schedule, accompanied by a cup of tea, a fuzzy blanket and chocolate. Thanks!

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    1. Thanks Joy, yes indeed I totally agree, hot chocolate for me! I will be reading this again very soon as I love continuations. Good luck in the giveaway!

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  4. Lory Lilian is an Author that I have enjoyed so much her work. I like her style. I have read all your books being my favorite, "Remembrance of the Past" and I am sure of the last one; I will delight it. Your review is charming, Tamara. I am looking forward to reading this book.

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    1. Hello Warmisunqu, thank you! I totally agree with you Remembrance is my favourite too. I cannot wait for her next book due out soon! I think you will like this too, took me half a day to read, wish I read slower! Good luck in the giveaway!

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  5. Having just finished one of Lory Lilian's books - His Uncle's Favorite - and really enjoyed it, I look forward to reading more.
    I would love the paperback copy if possible

    meikleblog at gmail dot com

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    1. Hello Vesper, Yes His Uncle's favourite is good, my sister in law just finished it too and she really liked it! Her others are great too, but I am sure they're on your wishlist! Good luck in the giveaway!

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  6. After reading "Rainy Days" and "His Uncles Favourite" I can easily say I love Lory Lillians writting. I'd love to read more and this book sounds fabulous!
    I'd love to be in the draw for either paperback or ebook!

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    1. Hello Kaewink, its lovely to have you stop by. Oh you will love Remembrance of the past too, its my favourite! Good Luck in the giveaway!

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  7. It's a delightful review, Tamara. I enjoyed knowing that it is an excellent P&P sequel so I'll put it on my list. I have no preference on the book format so put me in both giveaway. Thanks a lot, Lory.

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    1. Hello Slyvia, thank you.I am sure you will enjoy it! There aren't many P&P sequels in comparison to variations! Good luck in the giveaway!

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  8. I love your review, it does a great job at illustrating the author's work and its attractiveness to its viewers. Many times I feel cheated with the epilogue, they do a great job at ending the book and giving a glimpse of the future but never enough. Especially with Austen's Pride and Prejudice, I've always wanted to know what happens after the end of the book. Sounds great for a summer-read under the sun.

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    1. Hello Marcia, thanks for stopping by. I try my best to convey how I feel about a book (there goes my selfishness again lol) Yes Epilogues can be great because they give you more or in some instances seriously frustrating. From this day forward by Joana starnes is a longer P&P Sequel, if you haven't read it already. I am certainly going to be reading it again when I go on holiday, it will be perfect for the aeroplane. Good luck in the giveaway!

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  9. Thank you Tamara for a wonderful review - I am so glad that you enjoyed the story! And thanks everyone who comments and are interested in this giveaway :-). I had long wanted to write a sequel but never had time, as I kept having other ideas in my mind. With this short story I tried very hard to keep the path drawn by Jane Austen in the last page of PnP. Some people might find it too "light" and too "perfect" but in truth, Elizabeth herself said in PnP to Jane: "It is settled between us already, that we are to be the happiest couple in the world." and then to Mrs. Gardiner: "I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice." I need nothing more to believe her - why would I question what the genius JA said ? Who can possibly knows better than her? " -:)

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    1. Hello Lory, thank you! You definitely succeeded in keeping to the path and your premise is spot on. Thank you for putting more of your talent to paper and thank you for kindly supplying the books for the giveaway! I hope people enjoy it as much as I did :)

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  10. After such a wonderful review I must read this. I am already a fan of course but to hear that the characters are as we know them to be through out is a comfort. I have always liked the what happened next stories but I often find that they are not satisfying because I feel like my friends in the book I love have suddenly changed. I look forward to reading this one, though I do wish it were longer as well. Sounds like I will be longing for more. I have a kindle but I still prefer the feel of a good book. Thanks for the giveaway.

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    1. Hello Schilds thank you, I tried my best to convey the beauty of the book. I agree with you about the character changes, to the point you read so many that your view of each character can get distorted. You will be longing for more and I hate the fact that I am a fast reader because the story was even shorter! Good Luck in the giveaway!

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  11. Oh Tamara, it sounds wonderful! I was thinking a while ago that I'd read lots more variations than sequels, and I needed to find some sequels to read so this sounds just the thing. Please can I enter the giveaway for the ebook?

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    1. Hello my lovely! Yes I think there are way more variations than sequels, we need more! I know your a fast reader too, so its a Sunday afternoon on the sun lounger read from start to finish! Good luck in the giveaway!

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  12. Hi Tamara! I have read & loved Rainy Days and Remembrance of the Past, and it looks like this one will be wonderful too. I'm glad you liked it and I must say that I LOVE your rating system, with the 5 men! Too cute. For some reason I was thinking this book was going to be angsty but it doesn't seem like it now. Thank you (and thank you Lory) for the giveaway - my preference would be paperback but I am totally ok with ebook as well.

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    1. Hello Monica, I love all of Lory's books and His Uncle's favourite is great also. Plus Lory has a new book due in a few months so will have to re-read this a couple of times to keep me occupied lol. I'm glad you liked the rating system it is new, however I hope I never have a reason to use Mr Collins or Mr Wickham! Good Luck in the giveaway!

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  13. Based on your review, this sequel to Pride and Prejudice sounds wonderful. I've read some other Pride and Prejudice sequels that have disappointed me, mostly because as you commented on, they feel it necessary to incorporate some terrible situation, such as Mr. Bingley being unfaithful to Jane (ugh!). However, this sounds like the type of Pride and Prejudice sequel I like: a happily ever after. Which I still believe exists. I would prefer a paperback copy since I am a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to reading. I still love the feel of a book in my hands, and the sound the pages make when I turn them. Ebook's are convenient, but they will never compare (in my opinion) to the joy of holding a new book.

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    1. hello Sarah, thanks for stopping by, I agree and I do think that some people miss the small details because they are more concerned with the lack of drama. For me it's the attention to detail, what would I like most to see about the Darcy's future together. I know it is impossible to have the characters identical to Austen's but the closer they are the better. :) I do love paper books so any on my Kindle that I love I also get in paperback.Good luck in the giveaway!

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  14. This book sounds like it's going to be one that I'll read...and reread...and reread again. I can't wait to dive into this book. If I'm lucky enough to win, I'd prefer an ebook. Thank you!

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    1. Hello Mary Beth, thanks for stopping by. Lol I agree I had it read within hours and will be reading it again very soon. It is what I classify as a handbag book or a quick fix of JAFF to sate my addiction. Good Luck in the giveaway!

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    2. I love the classification of 'handbag book', I know just what you mean :)

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  15. Sounds fun! I've read all Lory's other books and I love them, especially Rainy days (Becky Gardiner is just so adorable!), so I would love to read this short story! Thanks for the giveaway, I would love to win a paperback (don't have an e-reader).

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    1. Hello Arjanne, Yes all of her books are great, isn't Becky adorable (Mr Darcy's dimples) Lory knows how to make new characters just as loveable Lady Matlock and Cassandra. Good Luck in the giveaway!

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  16. I've not read any of Lory's work yet but they are all on my TBR list. So little time, so much to read! Like Ceri, I've read a lot of variations lately but very few sequels so this one sounds like it would hit that spot nicely. It's a lovely review from Tamara , enough to tease without too many spoilers.

    I'm in the UK, so I guess the ebook would be preferable over the paperback, if the latter was having to be posted from the USA, but like wordynerdysarah, I still prefer the feel of a book in my hands so I'd prefer that if possible. My ereader is a Kindle and email is angmardee (at) hotmail (dot) com.

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    1. hello Angela, thanks for stopping by,Thanks its a fine line to walk, reviewing without spoiling, i'm still learning, as I never used to say much as I was scared to give too much away but I think I am slowly getting there.I hope you get to read some of lory's work soon, She is very talented. Good luck in the giveaway!

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  17. I am excited to see a new release. I have all Lory Lilian's other books and look forward to this one. Thank you for the giveaway.I would be thrilled with an ebook or a paperback.

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    1. Hello Becky, I was excited too! I am sure you will not be disappointed, Good luck in the giveaway!

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  18. Hi Tamara, what a lovely review. I love how you use hearts instead of starts - so cute! I don't think there's any book that Lory L has written that I haven't enjoyed. This sounds like it's a perfect 'feel good' book to read when you don't want too much angst. Looking forward to reading it.

    Can you please add me to the list for the e-book giveaway. Thanks!

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    1. Thank you Stephanie, glad you liked the review and heart rating, I certainly enjoyed coming up with the idea and making it! I do love a happily ever after, so I hope you enjoy the book! Good Luck in the giveaway!

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  19. I love her books so much and was excited to see that this one just came out. Can't wait to read it. If I am lucky enough to win, I would prefer the print version. Honestly, the only reason I haven't read it yet is that I am waiting for the print version! Thank you for this give-away.

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    1. Hi Kneyda, I love Lory's books too. The paperback is now available :) Good luck in the giveaway!

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  20. I´d love the paperback one :) I´m sure I would enjoy reading this book!

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    1. I am sure you will!!! Good luck in the giveaway!

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Thank you! Your comments are always welcome