***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
Many years have passed since the dramatic events of Pride and Prejudice. In The Cousins of Pemberley series we follow a new generation of heroines - cousins with lives as different and interesting as those enjoyed by their mothers.
Catherine:
Catherine Collins, a very ordinary young woman - plain, quiet, often over-looked but possessing a reputation for having great common-sense. Or so her distant cousin Elizabeth Darcy believes and so recommends her as governess for little Matilda Courtney. Catherine travels to Northumberland, full of good intentions to do her best and be a credit to the family. But appearances and reputations can be deceptive - Robert and Martin Courtney will soon learn exactly what type of girl Elizabeth has sent them.of Pemberley series.
Catherine by Linda O’Byrne is the second book in the Cousins of Pemberly series, and can easily be read as a stand-alone book. I am really enjoying this series and following the second generation of Pride and Prejudice characters.
Catherine is the daughter of Mr. Collins and is a distant cousin to Elizabeth Darcy. While at Pemberly, attending a wedding, Elizabeth Darcy gets an idea for Catherine to work as a guardian for Robert Courtney’s four-year-old daughter, Matilda. Matilda hasn’t spoken a word since she witnessed her mother’s death, and her father, Robert doesn’t know how to help his daughter to speak.
Catherine travels to Northumberland to work as a guardian for Matilda and meets Robert and his brother Martin, and little Matilda. She doesn’t expect to have any feelings for Robert, and he has decided he’ll never fall in love again after losing his wife. But all their time together makes
I really enjoyed being back at Pemberly and seeing what’s been going on with the P&P characters after all these years. These characters were all realistic and I enjoyed them. The outcome is predictable, as it is in most romances, but I really enjoyed the journey of each of the characters. The descriptions of Pemberly and then Northumberland were beautiful.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romances. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Linda O'Byrne
Fiction has always been my go-to world, a place of entertainment, excitement and imagination - I am told that I wrote my first story when I was four about a lady who had twenty children! Sadly it has been lost for posterity.
I have been writing all my life in the time I could spare from having a “proper job”, mostly for children under the name of Linda Blake, stories of ballet dancers, pony riding and talking animals! Not all in the same book!
But my love of romance, a great tendency to say “What if..?” and the endearing characters of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice have now resulted in a series of books that will take the reader forward to the next generation of heroines.
I am retired, live in Kent and am a keen member of my local drama group. Directing and acting take up a lot of my time - I have been given the onerous task of writing the Christmas pantomimes - but I still need to cope with a large garden, doing daily battle with the heron who thinks my pond is his own breakfast buffet and keeping in touch with friends and family scattered all over the world.
I’ve never tried any of the P&P spin-offs, but this one sounds like it’s distant enough from the original text that it would be a fun read without comparing it to P&P. Good review, Wendy!
I’m a little leery of books that are “sequels” to Austen’s books because they never quite compare to the original. I don’t mind retellings because I know they’re supposed to be different. But, sequels, on the other hand, I just haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet.
Great review Wendy. I have never been a huge Pride and Prejudice fan, but I am glad you are enjoying this series.
BTW, do you turn off comments after a certain time? I tried to comment on a couple of posts and the comment box was not there.
This one sounds so interesting. It’s always exciting to see how Jane Austen’s characters have been expanded on by other authors.
Thanks for the lovely review. This is tempting. It is interesting to learn about the next generation in the P&P world.
It’s really interesting. They are like new stories, with glimpses of the original characters.
Delighted to see this spinoff series is worthy. Wonderful review!
Thank you, Kimberly!
I’m usually wary of Austen spin offs or continuation but this one sounds really good. Keeping a connection with the original but also it’s own story.
Thank you, Mallika!
I’ve never tried any of the P&P spin-offs, but this one sounds like it’s distant enough from the original text that it would be a fun read without comparing it to P&P. Good review, Wendy!
I agree, Jolene. This is it’s own story, and only has the P&P characters in the background.
I am currently reading Sense and Sensibility with my book club, so this piques my interest. Good review, Wendy.
That’s a good idea, Linda!
It’s Pride & Prejudice: The Next Generation! ;D
Yes, it sure is. It’s fun to see the original characters all grown up with grown children of their own.
Glad you had a good time with this one. Great review.
Thank you, Nadene!
I used to read a lot of jane austen & think I would enjoy this, great review 💕
Thank you, Jenny!
I’m a little leery of books that are “sequels” to Austen’s books because they never quite compare to the original. I don’t mind retellings because I know they’re supposed to be different. But, sequels, on the other hand, I just haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet.
I can certainly understand that. I could ruin the original feelings you have for the original book.
I LOVE this concept ❤️. What a great idea. I’m so glad the story is as good as the premise. Excellent review!
Thank you, Tessa. I am enjoying what the next generation is up to.
Fun! I love books based on Austen’s work. Great review!
Thank you, Kami, I’m enjoying this series for sure.
I like the cover and think this series sounds really interesting. What is the image in the middle (with the dates?).
Thank you, Cindy. It’s the tour poster for the International Women’s day tour from Spellbound. I should have clarified that on the blog.
Thank you so much for taking part in the tour today x
My pleasure Zoe! I really enjoy this series of books.