Nameless by Julie Cooper
Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Classic Variation
Publisher: Quills and Quartos
Published: 8.9.21
Pages: 292
Rating: 5
Format: Paperback
Source: Quills and Quatros
Sellers: Amazon
GoodReads Blurb:
“This was not a man who would explode in a rage, or who would give way to shame or temper...which meant my choices were simple: either he had killed her in cold blood, or he had not killed her at all.”
ORPHANED AND ALONE IN THE WORLD, Elizabeth Bennet has found reasonable contentment as a companion to the Dowager Countess of Matlock, the affairs of 1811 and Fitzwilliam Darcy long forgotten. But the past intrudes upon her again, and Mr Darcy returns to her, handsome, wealthy, and widowed, and hiding many secrets beneath his solemn exterior.
BUT IF TIME HAD ALTERED THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES, one thing remains: Mr Darcy still wishes to marry her, and this time, Elizabeth consents. At nearly twenty-nine it is inarguably a good prospect for her and indeed, not until they arrive at his vast estate does she realise how large a shadow his late wife will cast over their growing love. But the new Mrs Darcy’s courage will continue to rise despite the many attempts to intimidate her; and she vows to use whatever power she holds over the master of Pemberley to keep him.
Nameless is a tale of the triumph of good over evil, of passion over prejudice, of loyalty over lies…and most of all, of enduring, unfailing love.
Review:
“I dreamed I went to Pemberley again…”
That opening line set fire to my imagination. I wasn’t many chapters in when I confirmed that I was getting a clever rendition inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca. Dark, brooding, but hopeful and sparkling.
For seven years, Elizabeth Bennet has lived her life without encountering the haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy she once knew when he visited her home neighborhood in Hertfordshire. Enough time and significant events have passed to consider her early distaste and foolish adherence to another man’s lies. So, when he re-enters her life again, far from her carefree days as a daughter of Longbourn, she is in a different frame of mind and situation. They’ve both trod a darker path and now she hopes for a chance at peace, some happiness, and maybe more when Fitzwilliam Darcy sweeps her way from the drudging life as his aunt’s companion and takes her to Pemberley. However, a ghost must be laid to rest before she can have a glimpse of any of those things.
Nameless, as a result of marrying two classics, becomes a whole new story. Those who enjoy Pride and Prejudice variations and sequels will rejoice in a fresh, well-written variation that displays excellent setting, tone, characterization, and a beloved hard-fought, dramatic romance. At the same time, fans of Rebecca will not be disappointed. The names and places are different, but key elements of the story are in strong evidence. Readers do not need to worry if they have not read the source stories. Being familiar with either or both provides for more anticipation, but this is its own splendid tale. Ah, and let me also mention that an astute fan will spy familiar minor characters from elsewhere.
Being familiar with both did not mean there were no surprises. The book has excellent mounting tension moments that offer good payoffs, but sometimes there are twists that come out of nowhere. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam both are put through the wringer and it is unsurprising that they come through because both have grown stronger through past adversity and still trying to find their way, particularly Elizabeth who gets knocked down, but keeps dusting off and getting back up. She won’t give up on Fitzwilliam even when he gives her reason to. Elizabeth narrates the whole story from first person perspective so Fitzwilliam’s actions and motives are something of a mystery for some time, though, yes, being familiar with both stories led me to make several correct assumptions about where something was going before Elizabeth figured it out. The biggest mystery was not the possible murder, but whether the romance would weather all that was thrown at it.
Thoroughly engaged from the beginning, this story stayed on pace and my focus never lagged. In truth, I found it unputdownable. Usually when there is a vast deal of angst, I want a break, but the troubles were such that I found the story more absorbing not less. The glowing epilogue was the right finishing touch. Like Elizabeth, I am caught lingering in my memories of this bewitching variation and recommend it to fans of historical romance with a gothic atmosphere and those who adore classic variations.
Sophia’s Bio:
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate. Writing has been a compelling need since childhood. Being published is a dream come true.
Sophia has moderated a fun-loving bunch of Austenesque lovers group on GoodReads for six years now and welcomes newbies anytime!
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Sounds fabulous! Julie is always a "must read" for me :)
ReplyDeleteThis was my first time reading her books, but yes, I will be back. Thanks, Karen!
DeleteThanks for the review! The author is new to me, but the premise of the book is intriguing. I'm glad to hear it lives up to my hopes for it!
ReplyDeleteYes, it was interesting reading her post the previous day on how she came to write it. I thought she did a bang up job, Beth. :)
DeleteThis sounds so good. Loved your review, Sophia!
ReplyDeleteIt was a great surprise, Ceri. Hope you get the chance at it. :)
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