THIS BOOK IS A WONDERFULLY WRITTEN DALLIANCE IN SCOTLAND.

Renata McMann and Summer Hanford cleverly present Pride and Prejudice fans with a fresh variation to enjoy. Full of suspense, humour, and passion, Foiled Elopement is a variation that I return to over and over again. Although it is a quick read, only 60,000 words, it packs a delightful punch. I highly recommend this novella, especially to those who favour an passionate Mr. Darcy.

SUMMARY

While traveling in Scotland with friends, Elizabeth meets Georgiana and Wickham on their way to Gretna Green. After learning Georgiana’s plight, Elizabeth is determined to help the girl, even if it means jeopardizing her own reputation. Determining it is the only way to save Georgiana from a life with Wickham, she gives up her spot in her traveling companions’ carriage to the desperate girl. Stranded alone at the inn, Elizabeth must wait for her father to collect her. Unbeknownst to her, her father is not the only man making his way to rescue her.

WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THIS BOOK…

The plot

I have come across this plot line before and have enjoyed it, but I was struck with the clever way that McMann and Hanford tell it. Every section made sense, and nothing felt superfluous. Sometimes, a complicated plot like this one can become silly, but it doesn’t in this book. I was gripped reading this story and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. It can be difficult to keep readers interested once Darcy and Elizabeth marry, but McMann and Handford achieve this brilliantly.

Romance

I loved watching Elizabeth and Darcy fall in love. It is a sweet, funny, and intense romance that made my heart flutter. From the moment Darcy arrives at the inn finding Lizzy with Wickham to his excitement at the thought of marrying her, to his reaction when she declares she wants to leave him, I was gripped.

“I do.” His mind refused to comprehend her words. Leave him? The very thought made his blood freeze in his veins.”I need you.” (146).

Humour

I laughed out loud a few times while reading this book. Comedy is my favourite genre, and I am glad that McMann and Hanford successfully incorporate humour into their writing. I find that fanfictions are usually funny because of how ridiculous they are, so I appreciate that Foiled Elopement succeeds at intentionally being funny. For example, Darcy’s anguish at the particular requirement of his marriage is excellent.

Richard’s expression became one of surprised amusement. He’d obviously realized what Darcy’s complaint was, the predicament he’d placed himself in. Richard began to chuckle. (123)

Mr. Bennet and Georgiana

I may have come across this pairing before in other variations, but I can’t think of them. The father-daughter relationship that develops between Mr. Bennet and Georgiana warmed my heart. I thought it was fresh and well executed. I am surprised that more variations don’t use it. Georgiana was in desperate need for Mr. Bennet’s kind and thoughtful advice. It made me cry to see the impact that his influence had on her.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK…

Colonel Fitzwilliam

Colonel Fitzwilliam is one of my favourite characters in Pride and Prejudice variations, and it makes me sad that in this version he suffers disappointments in love. I didn’t think that it was necessary to give him the fate they did.

CONCLUSION

Foiled Elopement is a fabulous and fun variation. It is brilliantly written and offers Pride and Prejudice fans an opportunity to lose themselves in this love story. It may be a little fluffy at times, but it should be in everyone’s collection.