Far from the Tree

A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By: Jeannie Peneaux

Narrated by: Liz May Brice

“My better nature was not merely placed there by the rank of my birth, Mr. Darcy! If I have faults to be attributed to Longbourn, then what virtues I possess must also be credited there. My character is not solely a copy of my blood. I am the result of the upbringing by a family and people – good people – that you have disdained. Do not think that all of Meryton did not perceive your contempt for us.”

For twenty years Elizabeth Bennet had lived, quite contentedly, as the second daughter of a country squire. During her Easter visit to her newly married friend, Lizzy has the dubious pleasure of being introduced to Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her cosseted daughter. To Elizabeth’s surprise, the pair take a keen interest in a mere adopted daughter of the Bennet family, and when Mr. Darcy dutifully pays his annual visit to Rosings Park, her life takes a wholly unexpected turn.

Lady Catherine de Bourgh, it would seem, is intent upon setting right old injustices, and she is a woman who is very much used to getting her own way.

From the author of Dear Nameless Stranger, Far From the Tree follows Elizabeth’s journey as she slowly realises that affection can root itself deeply into the heart in spite of doubts and misgivings. The handsome Mr. Darcy is a different matter altogether, for how could she possibly fall in love with the proud and haughty man she had known in Hertfordshire?

©2020, 2021, 2022 Jeannie Peneaux (P)2024 Jeannie Peneaux

Very enjoyable

Loved the story twist and ending. Will definitely listen to this one again. Try it

A Lovely Variation with a Very Good Narrator

I liked this version of Pride and Prejudice with Elizabeth being Lady Catherine’s lost daughter. The author writes a well developed story with 3-dimensional characters and a better Lady Catherine, but one who is still recognizable. There is not much angst, but I enjoyed the lack of drama (and melodrama). The story revolves around Lady Catherine, Anne and Elizabeth with Darcy. Elizabeth is torn between her Bennet family and the de Burghs. The ending is lovely (no spoilers). The narrator is very good.

Lizzie meets her real family

LOVED the plot line and how the Bennett’s and Katherine and Anne’s personalities. The characters are realistic in this take on “what if Elizabeth were adopted” plot line.

I’m not giving anything away when I say that Lizzie is actually Lady Katherine’s second daughter who was taken away from them and presumed dead for 20 years.

Katherine is a problem solver - to say the least.

I LOVE this author and her works.

Quite good

I thoroughly enjoyed this version. I do enjoy the mistaken heritage trope, and this author did quite a good job with it. There are some unanswered questions which I believe are meant to be left that way and therefore are not potholes. I couldn't think of anything unanswered. I did enjoy the fact that the author did not absolutely change lady Catherine into a mockish, fawning woman. She started out quite strong and still ended quite strong and a firm character. However, she does have the ability to soften a bit more now. I'd recommend this book.

Pleasant story with wonderful new P&P narrator

I enjoyed this low angst P&P variation. The premise and Lady Catherine and Anne were quite different. For me, it began to drag a bit in the last couple hours. This is the first time I’d heard a narration by Liz May Brice. She did a fantastic job. I hope she does many more.

Not a Bennett

Such a wonderful well-written story. The narrator does such a splendid job. It is quite a tear jerker. I like how the author gives Elizabeth some of Jane's characteristics. She is loved by so many.

Slow start but heartfelt and worth it

This was such a heartfelt novel and seeing the coming together of the sisters and lady Catherine’s softening was beautiful. I have played the scene where all the girls come to see Lizzy in her sick bed so many times!

Lady Catherine is not so mean

Lady Catherine has been looking for her baby daughter for many years, Her hateful husband took the baby just after the was born while Lady C was asleep and told a maid to get rid of it. The maid took it to an orphanage and Thomas Bennett adopted her because his wife was suffering the loss of her baby. The new baby, Elizabeth, helped Mrs. Bennett to recover. Mrs. B was good to Elizabeth. Lady C recognized Elizabeth the moment she saw her and wanted to have her back in the family fold.
I liked the story.

Really unique story

totally enjoyed this version of P&P! The characters were really unique with enough traces of the original personalities. I highly recommend this one!!

The best JAFF P&P I have read in a while!

I don’t want to give any spoilers… so I will only say… unique storyline that was very enjoyable and should satisfy everyone who loves Elizabeth and Darcy as much as I do.