Having read book 1 in this series, I was delighted to be able to pick up with the Bennett family again and read more of their exploits. This time it focuses on Mary’s daughter, who is nothing like her mother, and how she fares coping with a very different life to the one she was brought up with. I enjoyed seeing the misunderstandings being rectified, and the relationships growing closer, but I must admit this cast the Darcy’s in a bad light, which I was a bit sad about. The romance was a slow burn, but felt somewhat natural. Overall a good addition to the series, and I’m looking forward to the next one, hopefully about Bennetta

Miriam – The Rebellious Lady
4.5 ⭐

This third instalment in The Ladies of Pemberley series follows Miriam, the only daughter of Mary Bennett, and offers another engaging return to this Austen-inspired world. While Mary’s romance occurs post-Pride and Prejudice, meaning there’s less built-in familiarity compared to earlier books in the series, the story still settles in quickly and builds its own emotional momentum.

Miriam’s journey begins in South Africa before shifting to England, creating a sense of movement that carries her neatly into the central romance. I really enjoyed her dynamic with First Officer Nicholas Sullivan, with their initial meeting aboard the Sea Sprite and later encounters at Pemberley delivering a strong and satisfying “will-they-won’t-they” tension.

Their connection is compelling throughout, even when certain narrative choices—such as Nicholas’ presence at Pemberley—feel a little convenient. That said, the chemistry between them remains the driving force of the story and makes it easy to stay invested.

I also appreciated the quieter subplot involving Miriam and her maid, which adds an interesting contrast between privilege and perspective and brings a more grounded layer to the narrative.

Overall, this is a warm, easy, and enjoyable historical romance that delivers exactly what it promises—drama, tension, and an engaging central love story. A very satisfying continuation of the series.

Thank you to dp Books for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

We're back for another of the second generation Bennetts - this time with the daughter of Mary Bennett, Miriam. The previous book benefitted from our familiarity with the romance of the character's parents (we remember all too well the marriage of Lydia and Wickham), but Mary's romance happens after the ending of Pride and Prejudice, so the book starts without a strong understanding of the dynamics between her and the Reverend Maillot, leaving the reader to fill in the gaps.

Miriam has grown up in South Africa, and I will say that the book does feel like a relic of older historical romances, as the book never really goes into depth about the racial dynamics which would eventually lead to apartheid or the problems that Brits like Mary and her husband caused for the local Africans. But the book leaves South Africa early in order for Miriam to develop belligerent tension with First Officer Nicholas Sullivan. Some other things in the book are clumsy - Nicholas' reasons for coming to Pemberley makes no narrative sense, but the book introduces an interesting subplot of a relationship between Miriam and her maid (which contrasts to the privilege that Lizzy and Jane can be blissfully unaware of) that I hope will be continued into the series.

The book is an easy read - as we're getting into beach season, this might be a great easy read for a vacation. Thanks to dp Books for the early copy.

I loved anything Jane Austen, and I love how this author has created a whole series! Miriam is the daughter of Mary Bennett, and this tells the story of how she met Nicholas on a boat. Their chemistry is so good! I loved this book and highly recommend this.