A Quest for Mr. Darcy was a much-anticipated novel for me. I read A Fair Prospect a few years ago and ever since I’ve been wishing for the author to write another JAFF novel, so A Quest for Mr. Darcy was the answer to my prayers.
What if Mr. Darcy decided to leave the country after the Hunsford proposal and therefore was not in England to save Lydia Bennet from her fate?
What if there was a fire in the lodgings Wickham and Lydia were staying causing unthinkable consequences?
What if Elizabeth was once more in the path of Mr. Darcy but with even more reduced circumstances? Could they overcome all obstacles and find their happiness?
A Quest for Mr. Darcy will take us to Pemberley where we will face a journey full of mystery, misunderstandings, and romance, and where our beloved couple will reunite, reconnect and learn new aspects about each other that will make the love story even more interesting.
Cassandra Grafton was able to create a sweet and romantic story without much angst but that could still captivate angst addicts like me. Elizabeth will have her share of jealousy (which is something I always love), and their insecurities will promote some very touching moments. I particularly liked the scenes that involved either a piano or water such as their first encounter and the second proposal (no spoiler here, you know they’ll end up together right?).
I enjoyed the fact that this book was filled with suspense and original new characters as it brought vivacity into the story and kept me glued to it until the very ending. A Quest for Mr. Darcy is a long book but it didn’t feel like it when I was reading because of the liveliness of the characters. Some of the original ones will become as dear to you as any other supporting characters from Pride & Prejudice, and some of the most known characters will also take a special place in your hearts in the most unexpected manner.
Of course that naming some characters after Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South characters was an aspect I dearly loved and that put a smile on my face every time I read their names. I never thought I would be cheering for Miss Latimer to get her HEA with her love interest, but in this book I did, in fact, her love story is something I would dearly like to see developed in a novella one of these days 🙂
I believe the secondary characters are one of the best aspects of this book as they find their own place in the story and they shine as bright as the main characters. We will find ourselves curious about Jane’s decisions, we will have our heart divided between Bingley and Wentworth and we will want the Colonel to open his eyes and get the girl.
Summing up, do not let the length of this book scare you, it is a well-written story whose romance and mystery will make you want to keep reading until you reach the final words. You will fall for Darcy and Elizabeth, but also for the secondary characters that will make you laugh and smile throughout the entire story.
You can find A Quest for Mr. Darcy in:
More titles from the same author:
The Particular Charm of Miss Jane Austen
From Pemberley to Milton 
Loved this review. I am looking forward to reading it.
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Well thanks to your lovely blog Rita, I won this book along with other fabulous goodies.
I was reading a series at the time so have only just started this book today. I’m already frustrated at their total lack of understanding each others feelings.
However I’m grateful to read in your review that there isn’t too much angst as you know how i don’t always deal well with that (hence the complete breakdown reading Joana Starnes’ Mr Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter and Amy D’Orazio’s Best Part of Love 😭😭😭😭.)
I’m really enjoying it so far and have read the water interlude so now look forward to the piano 😋😋😍😍
Thanks for such a great review. 😘
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Glynis-just had to add that your ‘complete breakdown’ while reading Joana and Amy’s books was totally ubderstandable!!! I think we all may have suffered from similar symptoms so we share your pain!!!! 😉
Loved reading your thoughts on Rita’s review!
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Thank you so much Mary. And I must admit selfishly, I’m glad I wasn’t alone in my misery 😉
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Rita,
Your enthusiasm for this book and its author shines through each and every sentence of your review!
You really loved this one and it shows!! 😌
Can’t imagine how Darcy will feel meeting Lizzy again,and,as you said,in such reduced circumstances!
I’m delighted to see the names of beloved characters from N&S included in this book and was amazed to see that you were enamoured of Ms Latimer and her paramour!!! Can’t wait to see if I’ll feel the same about this aspect of the story,as we all know the role she played in N&S,or the one she wished to play!😉
As for Jane having to choose between two fine,handsome and eligible men in the guise of Bingley and Wentworth,well,I’m not sure I’d like to be in her
position,but it will be certainly interesting to see which suitor she chooses!!
Thanks for such a fab review,Rita! Loved reading your thoughts and I look forward to reading Ms Grafton’s latest offering!
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Thank you so much for this lovely review, Rita. ❤
I knew I had a job on my hands pleasing you, because of your affection for A Fair Prospect (which I am deeply touched by), so I am glad that you found plenty to enjoy and that you kept with it right to the end!
Cass
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Haha, a low-angst story for the angst lover. Great way of putting it, Rita. I’ve got this one and love her writing already so I am really looking forward to seeing the characters and situations you describe.
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Amazing review Rita. I’m so glad you enjoyed this fantastic book as much as I did. Although it’s a long book (it wasn’t nicknamed The Beast for nothing!), it doesn’t seem like it, does it? I can join you in highly recommending it to anyone who’s hesitating.
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Lovely review Rita! I absolutely loved this wonderfully long story. I didn’t want to let them go! I totally agree that I would love more on Miss Latimer…As for the water and piano…totally agree again!
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