Reviews for There You Were
Below is a small sample of reviews. To see more of the 718 (average 4.5 stars), go to the original Amazon page, though I kindly request that you purchase from me at the NEW Amazon page.
5-Star Reviews (all verified purchases):
Loved this P&P variation, it was very unique, an original to be sure~I've read over 400 novels in this genre, and this one was fresh and well written, well edited, and engrossing. Although most of the story was very sad, my interest was engaged on Elizabeth's plight, her lack of support from her family, and Col. Fitzwilliam's family, Mr. Darcy was there for her. How difficult it was to be poor in that time period, the work was never ending for the women with children. I recommend this book, it does transport one to England, and it does have a lovely ending. I look forward to more from this author, thank you Michelle Ray, keep writing! - YY4U
Out of all of the JAFF books I have read, 150 or so, this is by far my utmost favorite! I could only put it down to sleep! This book's plot and wonderful characters, albeit our beloved P&P characters and a few new ones, were perfect in every way. The story was so totally different...filled with joy, sadness, angst, and love that I didn't want it to end. I absolutely adored it!
Thank you Ms. Ray for a truly pleasurable reading experience! -- Debbie
I found this story captivating from the first. It is original throughout, successfully interweaving Jane Austen's stellar characters into a tale that brings tears, fears and joy. This extraordinary author has turned the darker side of the landed gentry of Regency England toward the bright light, exposing the less than proper behaviors of the wealthy and those who struggle under the system. Women and soldiers and the gentry are not all gleaming candelabras, impressive uniforms and carefree balls and parties. Actions have consequences here, both kind and cruel. An excellent story conveyed in a fresh voice. Five stars and more. -- Sharlotte
Told from Lizzy's viewpoint, this amazing story has most of our favorite characters, but relationships and backstories are quite changed from canon. That said, the essence of each character is very much in evidence. We see an absolute hoyden mature and grow, despite a lack of training and education. A delicately balanced love story is softly introduced and developed. Passion, grief, sorrow, and growing pains are beautifully illustrated. Absolutely great story! -- CEK
Michelle Ray has done it again. I am so impressed by her skill at immersing the lucky reader in a vast range of genres and wildly different time periods across different lands. This time she has masterfully transported us to the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy in her creative adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. At turns devastating and thrilling, this beautiful love story completely captivated me. The language is lovingly wrought and I often said to my husband: ‘I just have to read you this paragraph.’ He agreed that the writing is exquisite. I finished There You Were late last night and still now have full body chills when I remember Darcy’s extraordinary act of love at the end. You’ll have to read it to experience the same! -- JeninMiami
So few books are written in first person in this genre that I don’t remember reading another one. That alone felt like a breath of fresh air … I also have no memory of a plot like this one before, so I was thrilled by that as well. The novel is well written and the characters believable. I particularly appreciated that the author did not belabor descriptions of furniture, wallpaper and other interior design elements, nor did I have to endure paragraph after paragraph of fashion discussions. Instead, the story focuses on the realities of the life during the Regency. Highly recommended. -- Anon
This incredibly well written story is deeply evocative and quite touching with lyrical prose. By starting this story with teenaged Lizzy and a very young James (colonel) A completely fresh view is brought out. This isn't the entertainer raconteur of typical Fandom. Nor is this the witty, elegant Elizabeth of canon. This is a 'multiple hanky' Cinderella-like tale of broken people in broken families, loss, growth, rescue, and a second chance at love. One of the very best JAFF stories I've ever read. -- LawyerMom
Rarely is it that I read a book on Kindle Unlimited and, immediately upon finishing, buy it. This is one of those times. I've read a few others by this author, but this fast became, and will continue to be, a favorite in my library. I appreciated how the book artfully escapes canon. I read A LOT of JAFF and I have to say, IMO this is one of the best departures from canon that I've ever read. I eagerly look forward to reading this author again! -- ChefD
5-Star Reviews (all verified purchases):
Loved this P&P variation, it was very unique, an original to be sure~I've read over 400 novels in this genre, and this one was fresh and well written, well edited, and engrossing. Although most of the story was very sad, my interest was engaged on Elizabeth's plight, her lack of support from her family, and Col. Fitzwilliam's family, Mr. Darcy was there for her. How difficult it was to be poor in that time period, the work was never ending for the women with children. I recommend this book, it does transport one to England, and it does have a lovely ending. I look forward to more from this author, thank you Michelle Ray, keep writing! - YY4U
Out of all of the JAFF books I have read, 150 or so, this is by far my utmost favorite! I could only put it down to sleep! This book's plot and wonderful characters, albeit our beloved P&P characters and a few new ones, were perfect in every way. The story was so totally different...filled with joy, sadness, angst, and love that I didn't want it to end. I absolutely adored it!
Thank you Ms. Ray for a truly pleasurable reading experience! -- Debbie
I found this story captivating from the first. It is original throughout, successfully interweaving Jane Austen's stellar characters into a tale that brings tears, fears and joy. This extraordinary author has turned the darker side of the landed gentry of Regency England toward the bright light, exposing the less than proper behaviors of the wealthy and those who struggle under the system. Women and soldiers and the gentry are not all gleaming candelabras, impressive uniforms and carefree balls and parties. Actions have consequences here, both kind and cruel. An excellent story conveyed in a fresh voice. Five stars and more. -- Sharlotte
Told from Lizzy's viewpoint, this amazing story has most of our favorite characters, but relationships and backstories are quite changed from canon. That said, the essence of each character is very much in evidence. We see an absolute hoyden mature and grow, despite a lack of training and education. A delicately balanced love story is softly introduced and developed. Passion, grief, sorrow, and growing pains are beautifully illustrated. Absolutely great story! -- CEK
Michelle Ray has done it again. I am so impressed by her skill at immersing the lucky reader in a vast range of genres and wildly different time periods across different lands. This time she has masterfully transported us to the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy in her creative adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. At turns devastating and thrilling, this beautiful love story completely captivated me. The language is lovingly wrought and I often said to my husband: ‘I just have to read you this paragraph.’ He agreed that the writing is exquisite. I finished There You Were late last night and still now have full body chills when I remember Darcy’s extraordinary act of love at the end. You’ll have to read it to experience the same! -- JeninMiami
So few books are written in first person in this genre that I don’t remember reading another one. That alone felt like a breath of fresh air … I also have no memory of a plot like this one before, so I was thrilled by that as well. The novel is well written and the characters believable. I particularly appreciated that the author did not belabor descriptions of furniture, wallpaper and other interior design elements, nor did I have to endure paragraph after paragraph of fashion discussions. Instead, the story focuses on the realities of the life during the Regency. Highly recommended. -- Anon
This incredibly well written story is deeply evocative and quite touching with lyrical prose. By starting this story with teenaged Lizzy and a very young James (colonel) A completely fresh view is brought out. This isn't the entertainer raconteur of typical Fandom. Nor is this the witty, elegant Elizabeth of canon. This is a 'multiple hanky' Cinderella-like tale of broken people in broken families, loss, growth, rescue, and a second chance at love. One of the very best JAFF stories I've ever read. -- LawyerMom
Rarely is it that I read a book on Kindle Unlimited and, immediately upon finishing, buy it. This is one of those times. I've read a few others by this author, but this fast became, and will continue to be, a favorite in my library. I appreciated how the book artfully escapes canon. I read A LOT of JAFF and I have to say, IMO this is one of the best departures from canon that I've ever read. I eagerly look forward to reading this author again! -- ChefD