Memory: Volume 3, How Far We Have Come: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice [Paperback]

Linda Wells (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 22, 2010 | Series: Memory

The third volume of the Memory series, How Far We Have Come, finds the Darcys with a family of their own, fully matured and comfortable with their positions as the master and mistress of Pemberley. The fears and demons of Darcy's past have been addressed, and the formidable Fitzwilliam family has accepted and embraced the unique and exceptional example of marriage that the Darcys display. Now it is Elizabeth's turn to finally put to rest the pain of her history, while at the same time influencing her sisters to grow and become women to be admired as well. The Darcys often bemuse their friends and family with their approach to addressing the many facets of their lives, however, all are quick to admit that they are better for knowing them. The story contains scenes of a mature nature.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Linda Wells worked several years for engineering companies preparing environmental impact statements before marrying and having a son. His disabilities changed her from career woman to stay-at-home mom. Inspired by the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice, she purchased a copy of Jane Austen's novel, and fell under the spell of the unforgettable characters and story. Wondering about those characters eventually led her to discover the world of Jane Austen Fan Fiction, and decided to write down the story that was nagging at her, Chance Encounters. She has many ideas for new stories, and with luck and a cooperative muse, they will be written too.

Product Details

• Paperback: 568 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace (July 22, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1453698426
• ISBN-13: 978-1453698426
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #751,854 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Welcome to my author page; let me tell you a little about myself. I worked for years in the environmental engineering world until I traded my career as a geographer for one as a mom to a challenging and really great son. One day, I saw the 2005 production of Pride and Prejudice, and I was fascinated. I bought a copy of Jane Austen's novel and read it so many times, falling under the spell of her unforgettable characters and story, and I could not help but wonder what happened next for them. That led me in search of Jane Austen Fan Fiction.

I read many stories and then one of my own started nagging at me. So, I found an old notebook and started writing it down. Without it even being finished, I took the plunge and started posting. It was, and continues to be, a fantastic and rewarding experience to watch a story take shape while so many readers follow along. I have many ideas for new stories, and with luck and lots of imagining, they will be written too.


If you would like to email me, I would love to hear from you! [e-mail]


Books by Linda Wells:

Chance Encounters

Fate and Consequences

Perfect Fit

Memory: Volume 1, Lasting Impressions

Memory: Volume 2, Trials to Bear

Memory: Volume 3, How Far We Have Come

Imperative (coming in 2011)

Bench photo image © Dmitry Mikhaylov Dreamstime.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How far we have come, indeed, July 27, 2010

By 

cheska (Florida) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Memory: Volume 3, How Far We Have Come: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Paperback)

The final volume of Memory. This book continues advancing the lives of all the characters. Most have matured for the better. We finally get to see more of Caroline and what has become of her. As always her fixation and aspiration to claw her way to the elite circles still drives her actions. If nothing else the high point of this volume is the dinner at Lucas Lodge when Mrs. Bennet finally is put in her place. I have always wanted some form of karma to befall Mrs. Bennet, Caroline, Wickham, Lady Catherine, and of course Lydia! It is all here from volume one to volume three. I am thrilled!

I like that the author has the two main characters meet early in Book One without the negative aspects associated with the assembly in the original P&P. That is a favorite theme with this author's other works as well and one which I enjoy. In my opinion Ms. Wells' books are well written. There are sexual encounters between the characters. If this bothers you then maybe this isn't the book for you. This is a variation, adaptation, or "what if" of Austen's work. Whatever you want to call it, if I wanted to read a retelling of Pride and Prejudice I would just read the original, again. I like reading and imagining the myriad of possibilities that the author puts forth. She does not disappoint.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars worthy conclusion to the series, August 25, 2010

By 

Austen lover - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Memory: Volume 3, How Far We Have Come: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Paperback)

I enjoyed the first 2 volumes of the series so it is no surprise that the last one is good as well. We are now several years into Elizabeth's and Darcy's marriage. Most of the primary characters are married and some surprisingly so. Mrs. Bennett in this version of the story is essentially horrid and she gets her own deserved treatment. As opposed to the 2nd volume, dealing with Darcy's relationship with his father, this one is for Lizzy and her family. I love the time when all 5 sisters are together for the first time in years. The attitude of the fathers and daughters is very touching.

My only complaint is that the epilogue needed a year attached to the final scenes. We fast forward MANY years for the coming out ball, and the scene is begun with a journal entry from the past (but it is not readily apparent).

Enjoy and savor this wonderful book series. If you like details and length to your books, this is it (and pick up the others by this author)

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Worthy conclusion, August 1, 2010

By 

Malli22 (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Memory: Volume 3, How Far We Have Come: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Paperback)

In the third and final volume to 'Memory', Darcy and Elizabeth have matured considerably. Their family is firmly established and Elizabeth is finally able to move past her demons. Mrs. Bennet does indeed get her comeuppance.

By this novel, you're already 1000+ pages into the story, so you'd undoubtedly finish it. At some points, the writing and grammar are a bit off, but it is forgivable because the interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth easily overshadow the mistakes.

My favorite part of this author's P&P formula is that Darcy and Lizzy always meet and become attached quickly. And the obstacles are dealt with through each others' support. 'Memory' is no different. Its so much longer than 'Chance Encounters' or 'Fate & Consequences' because they meet much earlier (Lizzy is 15). The story follows about five years into their lives. There's a lot to cover.

Be patient with the length. Otherwise, it's very enjoyable.