Not Exactly Mr. Darcy

Pride, Pemberley, and Second Chances

When history-loving Olivia Bennett’s teaching contract isn’t renewed, she is considered her family’s logical choice to care for her ailing grandmother in a tiny English village. While there, she soon finds additional work at nearby Hartbury Hall—one of England’s great houses once used as Pemberley in a filmed production of Pride and Prejudice. The head gardener there, however, proves to be anything but the gentlemanly hero of that famous book. Little does she know that behind Liam Browne’s brusque exterior is both a family tragedy and a legacy that demands truth and honor, creating a crisis that only Liv’s vivacious determination can resolve. Along the way, she may just learn that appearances count for naught. . . and that love can be found in unexpected ways.

Review: 

History teacher Olivia Bennett’s life seems to have taken a different turn when she doesn’t receive a permanent teaching assignment. Now currently unemployed, Olivia goes to England to help her grandmother recover from surgery. She has a penchant for Pride and Prejudice, so what could be better than living near Hartbury Hall, the estate where her favorite movie was made? Imagine Olivia’s surprise when she drives up to the manor and things are not as well taken care of as she thought they would be. The iconic fountain is not in use and only one very grumpy gardener, Liam Browne, is on the premises.

Liam has a lot of responsibilities in keeping the estate running. Overwhelmed and trying to isolate himself from gossip and more pain, Liam is barely able to keep the estate running at a minimum. Having Olivia come to Hartbury Hall and breathe some life into not only it, but also Liam’s life was so gratifying to see.

Ms.Miller did a terrific job of incorporating names of beloved Austen characters. I loved seeing the estate come back to life under Olivia’s enthusiastic direction. With vivid details of the restoration of the estate, I could just see myself there helping to clean and paint, and get the chance to work in the gift shop.

Themes and things to love:
Olivia’s grandmother
villagers
opposites attract
forced proximity
secrets
clean romance
faith thread
restoration

I highly recommend reading this book to readers of all ages. I am looking forward to reading more books in the series. I received a copy of the book through the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.