Dear Jan H,
I would like to congratulate you for your great story. It´s unique. I have to say that I have read a lot of fanfiction stories and this is the first time I have cried. I´m not complaining, I mention it because in my opinion your writing is so good that I have felt their anguish and at the end their happiness.
Thank you for sharing it
Best wishes,
Sande.
I have so many things to say and so little time! First of all, THANK YOU!!!! You always have been and always will be one of my favorite authors. Your stories are absolutely incredible, and you're the only author that has managed to make me cry.
I'm sorry that it took me so long to read this, but 1: I'm an angst wimp and 2: school was getting extremely busy right when the story started becoming happier. However, last night I found time to start it, and I finished it today. In fact, I couldn't back away from the computer. Thanks again, and I hope that you write more in the future.
Just wanted to say that I enjoyed the ending (especially the final line about beauty as a parallel to the title) and the story overall. It's the most original barrier between Darcy and Elizabeth I've ever read, and the ride was fantastic.
Oh dear, im late. Even so Jan, let me thank you for this wonderful tale on my favourite couple. You did a marvelous job of keeping us hooked these past few months. And I have had such great time experiencing all that you put us through, the tears of joy and otherwise. So thank you for everything . Take a break and do come back with another wonderful story. You do know we all are waiting, dont you? Take care and God bless
Sandra, no need to apologize, thinking you are late in reviewing this. I got your wonderful e-mail and will respond soon.
Sande, Sammy, Sammie, and Vidya, I loved your comments. I hope I didn't make you cry too much, and I understand the fear of angst, Sammy. I rarely have the courage to read WIPs.
This week I sent the story to my oldest daughter who also loves to write. She said, "Oh, Mom, the ending reminded me of you – I have to say this – you lost love but found it again and because of that you never took it for granted." In just a few words, she said what it took me 18 chapters to write.
My Thanksgiving treat was to read this story start to finish over my long weekend and I was not disappointed at all - I had to pace myself though in order to make it last (I'm the same way with chocolate! )
The story was wonderful, but I wasn't surprised as I do think that Jan H. is one of the very best among the D&L fiction writers out there. Jan, you have a remarkable ability to make the reader feel the emotions of your characters and I'm sure were were all feeling Lizzy and Darcy's anguish and despair at several points throughout the story. Similarly, there was elation when they looked each other in the eye to declare they were not brother and sister and the emotion and affection that was described as part of that encounter were also felt as well as read! Thanks for neglecting your housework to write this story, but more importantly, for sharing it with us!
Sorry about what I did to the dear colonel. This is the first time I've ever written him in a less than pleasant manner, as I really like him very much.
Oh Jan! Never mind Richard. Our greatest hero will always be Darcy. Richard had his go in Love Calls Twice. Enough with that!
Your story was really lovely. I enjoyed every word. I only hope you keep writing. So I take it that your daughter writes too? Fanfiction?
Yes, my daughter writes, too, but not fan fiction. I've tried to interest her, but she's just too busy with RL to take the time. When she was at the university, she won first place in their annual short story contest! I think I was prouder of her than she was.
Over the last day or so I've read both The Sins of the Father and An Arranged Marriage, and I thought I'd let you know how much I enjoyed them. They were intriguing and gripping, and have made me want to read more P&P AUs (these were the first I had ever read).
Thanks for the great stories! I have found the perfect time to read them is when I am forced to sit still and nurse my baby -- makes nursing even more rewarding:)
Thank you, Helen! Your comment brought back fond memories for me of nursing my babies, but I didn't have fan fiction to entertain me then. Enjoy your little one.
Jan H,
Wonderful!!! Bravo......Such emotion,such heart felt words. I always enjoy your stories. This will be one for the re-read folder. Thanks again for a wonderful read, and please continue to write.
Thank you, Maria! I'm glad you were able to plow through the angst of that story. I think it's probably the hardest of my works to read, so bravo to you as well.
I have spent the past few days re-reading each of your stories. I love them all.
Please give us more. All of them were unique in their own way. "Sins" was perhaps the most moving but I enjoyed them all again and will continue to do so again in the future, I hope.
Thank you for your wonderful gift of storytelling.
How refreshing to read this beautiful story again.
You are indeed an excellent writer, Jan H.
Well, I must add, with the long break without new postings, I have been re-reading old stories and I am very pleased with the delight I take in doing that. So everything has a positive side!!!
Thank you so much, Sandy, and thanks again to Maria! You are making my holidays so bright with your generous messages. I've always said JA readers are the nicest people in the world, and I think that's worth repeating.
Jan H,
Like all your other stories this one was a great read. So different from what I have read in the past.
I have to say I am glad I waited to read this when it was finished instead of a WIP. It was hard reading each chapter and having to stop reading because I had to go to sleep for work. You truly are a great writer, and I hope there will be more stories coming our way from you. Until then, thank you for your time and creativity. Hope to read more of your stories soon.
Jan, I have been following a WIP of yours and found your website. I discovered that I have read several of your stories, and I started reading Sins of the Fathers Friday night and finished it just now. I really loved it. I have some forums bookmarked, but you are the only author I have bookmarked.
I've just started writing (on DarcyandLizzy.com), and all weekend, whenever I needed a break, I pulled up this story. You are definitely one of my favorite JAFF writers. Keep giving us your beautiful stories to read.
Thank you, Robin! I'm glad you liked Sins of the Fathers, and I appreciate your kind and generous comments. Good luck with your writing, but be warned - once you start, it's hard to stop!
I recently re-read this story, and wanted to compliment you. It's awesome, and makes my Catholic Austen-fan heart glad. It does bother me a little that you referred to Peter Darcy as "old" when he cannot be more than 45 (if that)--and I do not think that even a 21-year-old would think someone of 45 to be more or less elderly! But it did not bother me enough to impact my enjoyment of your story, it only niggled at me a little. The emotion was beautifully conveyed, and I am sure that this will not be my last re-read of the story!