Take His Likeness

By: Lyndsay Constable

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman, Harry Frost

Sir, scorn me if you must, but let it be done for reasons that are just and true.

The idea of you moving through the world with disdain for me based on false notions is too much to bear. Once I have given you all the reasons for my deceptions, if you still choose to hold me in contempt, it will be done honestly.

Elizabeth Bennet has a secret. The finances of Longbourn are more dire than is generally known, and she has been forced by necessity to help keep food on the table of her family home. Her secret is safe. Until the night, the handsome face and kind attentions of Fitzwilliam Darcy lay claim to her affections.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is in dangerously low spirits. He cannot forgive himself for his mistakes in judgment that almost caused his young sister to marry George Wickham. This visit to Hertfordshire was supposed to cheer him. But nothing works until that odd night in the library…

Take His Likeness is a Pride and Prejudice variation with a nod towards Jane Eyre. It has a touch of magical realism, Elizabeth in disguise, Elizabeth falls first, and a happily ever after for Elizabeth and Darcy.

©2024 Lyndsay Constable (P)2025 Podium Audio

Elizabeth finds way to support family

The first part is my review for the ebook I borrowed on KU & then I bought the audiobook.

Elizabeth knows the truth about their family's financial situation and, with Mrs Hill's help, finds a secret way to bring in additional funds to feed her family. Elizabeth uses her observations of people to help her do her "job" better. She is still taken in by Wickham, which was frustrating. She finally realized that Darcy's character was even harder to read through all his layers. I did like the alternating chapters on the POV as it permits one to learn more of each character. Col Fitzwilliam does try his best to get Darcy to get over his high horse sooner than he does but thankfully things all work out in the end.

For the audiobook - Stevie Zimmerman & Harry Frost split the narration and it was done smoothly and it flowed beautifully!! I would love to see/listen to more of their pairings in JAFF stories. Very worth the listen!!!

Unique and engaging story

Narration doesn't get any better. A unique storyline. Truly enjoyed it. Elizabeth is forced to make some much needed monies to feed the Bennets. No one but Mrs. Hill knows. Another for my re-read collection.

Great love story

Another great book. Narrated by Harry Frost. A great proficient. A different take on P&P. The Bennets are poorer in this story. Elizabeth adds money to the food on the table by reading cards. Great fun. Smiled many times while listening. Great Jaff.

A Different Premise

The premise of Elizabeth secretly doing card readings to support her family is certainly unusual. I enjoyed the story, but I found it hard to believe that Mr. Bennet would let Longbourn’s finances dwindle to the point where Elizabeth had to take such measures just to put food on the table. It was also a bit disappointing that she ignored Wickham’s true character, even when it was revealed during his reading.

That said, the storytelling is engaging, with plenty of ups and downs and interesting twists on canon—such as Jane visiting Pemberley instead of Elizabeth. Bingley playing the hero was a great touch, and it added a touch humour to the dialogue. I’m still laughing at tallywhacker!

I also loved the dual narration by Stevie Zimmerman and Harry Frost. These two talented and well-loved narrators never disappoint, and having them together in one book was an absolute delight.

Great Narration

This story has a definitely different and unique way for Elizabeth to earn money to help her family - a fortune teller! She’s actually masquerading as a Tarot card reader, using cards that belonged to a great grandmother, and using a forgotten “priest hole” to leave her house. This premise allows her to meet Darcy early and discover he is hiding unhappiness and guilt by “reading” his facial expressions and body movements. It’s odd that she can’t see through Wickham and even dismisses his mercenary plans for Mary King. The great dual narration adds much to the experience.

A Major Disappointment

This book was a letdown for several reasons. First, nearly 70% of it is a repetition of the original novel. If I wanted to revisit the original, I would simply reread it! Second, Elizabeth’s supposed abilities had no real impact on the plot. Despite George's blatantly cruel and manipulative behavior, she remained oblivious, which made no sense.

Mr. Darcy’s feelings also seemed unfounded—there was no natural progression in the characters’ emotions. Elizabeth supposedly fell in love at first sight, then spent half the book despising him, only to inexplicably fall back in love. I strongly dislike variations where Elizabeth behaves as foolishly as Lydia when it comes to men.

Additionally, the choice to switch narrators felt unnecessary and disruptive. While I usually enjoy Harry Frost and Stevie Zimmermann’s narrations, alternating between them for different chapters added nothing to the experience.

Overall, this book was a frustrating read, and I can’t recommend it.