Reckless, Headstrong Girl is a very creative novella where Lydia’s fate after running away from Brighton with Wickham is very different from what we are used to. What if Wickham grew tired of Lydia even before they reached London? And what would happen if he threw her of the carriage in the middle of the country? What would petulant Lydia do?
The book opens up with Lydia and Wickham’s storyline, and alternates between Lydia’s adventures and Elizabeth and Darcy’s romance. I never expected I would say this, but when I started reading this book, I was so entranced with Lydia’s story that I didn’t want to read the chapters which were not focused on her. Elizabeth and Darcy’s love story is beautiful, and because of a slight difference in the story, Jane doesn’t send the letter to Elizabeth straight away, so Elizabeth and Mr Darcy have more time to be together at Pemberley, which was enough to develop a sweet romance, but still, I couldn’t take my mind away from Lydia!
Lydia’s story was very funny at first, and I loved to see her petulance be repeatedly tamed by her new circumstances, but as the story progressed, I started caring very much not only for Lydia, but also for the characters that were interacting with her. Mr. Parch in particular was a favourite, and my only quibble with this story was not seeing Lydia herself rewarding him for all he did for her. He was such an interesting character that I wanted to know more about him and his life.
The situation Lydia finds herself in is so different that she goes through material changes, and I loved to see her character development. The changes we see in her attitude and her growth from a childish lady into a pondered young woman were probably one of the aspects I enjoyed the most in this novella, but particularly because they were written in a light and funny fashion that made the book unputdownable. I usually dislike too much Lydia time, and confess to skip some parts of books that are exclusively about Lydia, but Grace Gibson did such a wonderful job with this story that I absolutely loved Lydia and wanted more time in her company.
Summing up, Reckless, Headstrong Girl is an extraordinary novella that readers will not be able to put down. It is well written and captivating, with the best Lydia rendition I’ve ever read. I highly recommend getting a copy and spend one afternoon in the company of this book.
You can find Reckless, Headstrong Girl at:
Excellent review, Rita! Congratulations to Grace for making one of Jane Austen’s less popular characters so compelling. That is a worthy achievement! 🙂
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Thanks Kelly and best wishes on your own worthy achievement and new release – A Consuming Love! Great job!
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I agree with your review completely. I was amazed at just how much I loved this story. It was so well done. I mean… a Lydia story is not something people want to read about. This one is completely worth the read. I loved it and want to read it again. Grace Gibson made me care for and about Lydia. I couldn’t believe I could. I teared up several times and thought … this girl has what it takes to make it work. Not Kitty and certainly not Mary… but only Lydia could survive and live to tell her story. When she first saw Mr. Darcy… I wanted to weep. This was a beautiful review, Rita, and a beautiful story. Well done, stay safe, and healthy.
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Thank you so much! I am so grateful for the way you expressed something that I, too, I discovered when I was writing Lydia’s story – she IS made of stronger stuff than all her sisters, save Elizabeth. Who knew? I certainly did not expect that outcome. Here’s to the reckless and headstrong streak in all of us…!
All the best to you and stay safe as well.
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I agree with JW Garret – this was a lovely review. I truly appreciate your insightful comments and perspective on this story. Thank you for the privilege of having this story introduced to your readers so thoughtfully.
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I absolutely loved Lydia in this one. Great review, Rita!
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Thank you so much, Sophia Rose!
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I have put this on my “Wish List” from which I find books to borrow from KU so this is one I will definitely read. Thanks for sharing here.
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I do hope you enjoy this story, Shiela. Thank you!
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Wonderful review.
denise
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My sentiments exactly! I usually can’t stand Lydia but I actually found myself feeling sorry for her and her character improved to such an extent! Loved it!
I especially loved Darcy (but that’s nothing new!)
Definitely worth rereading!
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I am so glad you found Lydia a relatable character in this variation, Glynis! Happy reading!
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts with such an insightful review, Rita. I’m so glad to know that you enjoyed this novella. It is truly nice to like Lydia and be pulling for her. Grace Gibson made her a real character with feelings, and one who could grow beyond her own selfish desires. Boy, did she have to learn the hard way! 🙂 Thanks again.
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Rita,
I must commend you on such a thoughtful and enthusiastic review.
Yes,few readers wish to dwell on Lydia and the circumstances she finds herself in. By pulling one threads completely new and unique story emerges highlighting Lydia’s strengths. Who would have thought such a compelling story would be the result?
I look forward to ready for this book. Well done to Grace for penning such
and thank you for sharing your thoughts. Stay safe. 🍀
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Hi Mary, I appreciate your response to the premise of this story as outlined in Rita’s review. I hope you enjoy it!
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