Mr Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Pattillo

Genre: General Fiction
Copyright: 2010
Pages: 272
Book Source: ARC courtesy of Phenix & Phenix

Synopsis: Claire Prescott is a sensible woman who believes in facts and figures, not fairy tales. But when she agrees to present a paper to a summer symposium at Oxford on her ailing sister's behalf, Claire finds herself thrown into an adventure with a gaggle of Jane Austen-loving women all on the lookout for their Mr. Darcy. Claire isn't looking for Mr. Anyone. She's been dating Neil -- a nice if a bit negligent -- sports fanatic. But when a tall, dark and dashing stranger crosses her path, will the staid Claire suddenly discover her inner romantic heroine? Her chance meeting with a mysterious woman who claims to have an early version of Austen's Pride and Prejudice -- in which Lizzie ends up with someone other than Fitzwilliam Darcy -- leads to an astounding discovery about the venerated author's own struggle to find the right hero for Lizzie Bennett. Neil's unexpected arrival in Oxford complicates Claire's journey to finding her own romantic lead. Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart is the story of a woman who finds that love isn't logical and that a true hero can appear in the most unexpected of places.

Review: Being a fan of all things "Austen" I was so excited when Teddyree asked me to review her copy of Mr Darcy Broke My Heart. I started it immediately and couldn't put it down. It's a fantastic story told in many different ways and the intrigue kept the pages turning. For me the bonus was the story within the story.

Firstly there is Claire's story. Her parents where killed in an accident when she was young and left her with a sister to raise. The only problem is that like lots of parents she doesn't know when to stop and her 'help' is often perceived as interference. She is in her 30's, has lost her job and has a boyfriend that is more interested in sport then her. Her sister sends her half way around the world to England for a Jane Austen conference because she has complications with her pregnancy and had to present a paper that Claire will do on her behalf.

Whilst there she gets caught up in a secret society, The Formidables and comes into possession of the original Pride and Prejudice manuscript called First Impressions. The fun part is that the reader gets to read this original version along with Claire and I have to say I loved it even though it was fiction. This story is about keeping secrets and who you can trust with those secrets. The characters are fresh and fun and I loved them all for the different dimensions they added to the story.

There are so many books on the market at the moment that have some element of Jane Austen in them and if like me, you enjoy your share then you will love this book. I can't recommend it highly enough even to those that have enjoyed watching Jane Austen movies. It is a quick, entertaining read that will keep you guessing. I have to say that Mr Darcy Broke My Heart is one of my favourite reads this year!

About the author: Beth Pattillo is the author of a number of books the most recent being, 2 Jane Austen novels; Jane Austen Ruined My Life (Feb 2009) and Mr Darcy Broke My Heart (Feb 2010) & 2 Sweetgum books; The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society (May 2008) & The Sweetgum Ladies Knit For Love (June 2009.) Visit Beth Pattillo's website and blog to find out more about this talented author and her work.

Due to my cancer diagnosis, surgery & ongoing complications, Mr Darcy Broke My Heart was read and reviewed by Alaine Queen of Happy Endings. Heartfelt thanks Alaine, this sounds wonderful.