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Mr. Bingley's Return

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Book Four of the Netherfield Returns Series

When Miss Bingley arrives at Pemberley in a state of alarm, Mr. Darcy is quick to learn that his friend’s future may be in jeopardy. Convinced that Jane Bennet intends to secure Charles Bingley by any means necessary, Darcy determines to intervene—unaware that his actions will only deepen the divide between himself and Elizabeth Bennet.

Elizabeth is certain that Darcy’s interference proves him proud, meddlesome, and determined to deny her sister happiness. Darcy, in turn, believes Elizabeth would gladly entrap his friend if given the opportunity. Each is convinced of the other’s worst intentions, and neither is prepared to concede error.

Yet the truth has a way of asserting itself. When unsettling revelations concerning Mr. Wickham come to light, Darcy is forced to confront the possibility that he has been gravely mistaken. With Georgiana Darcy’s courage and Elizabeth’s resolve bringing hidden matters into the open, long-standing deceptions unravel, and Wickham’s hold over Hertfordshire is finally broken.

As misunderstandings fade and trust is slowly rebuilt, Darcy and Elizabeth must face not only their flawed judgments, but the growing affection they have been reluctant to acknowledge.

Mr. Bingley’s Return is a warm and emotionally rich Pride and Prejudice variation filled with mistaken intentions, quiet heroism, and the steady unfolding of a love that nearly slipped away. Perfect for readers who enjoy thoughtful misunderstandings, strong family bonds, and Darcy and Elizabeth finding their way to one another at last.

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2026

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About the author

Jann Rowland

91 books194 followers
Jann Rowland is a Canadian, born and bred. Other than a two-year span in which he lived in Japan, he has been a resident of the Great White North his entire life, though he professes to still hate the winters.

Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.

When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.

Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.

Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/OneGoodSonnetPub...
Twitter: @OneGoodSonnet
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bol2p9

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5 stars
51 (31%)
4 stars
69 (42%)
3 stars
38 (23%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for James S.
1,450 reviews
March 2, 2026
An ok story about what might happen if Bingley returned on his own

The series I’d beginning to lose It’s inspiration. Darcy was angry most of the time and acted in a way that was so arrogant and rudeness that I couldn’t “feel” the coming together.

If the author is going to write a book about every character in Pride and Prejudice I fear it will start feel like AI is ghosting the stories.
Profile Image for Ree.
1,362 reviews83 followers
April 4, 2026
It got lazy.
3.5 rounded up
This started out good with Bingley’s determination to return to Hertfordshire and Jane, but it was really a story about Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy is deliberately obtuse with respect to Jane, and then when he finally comes around to accepting Bingley’s choice, followed by an admitted interest in Elizabeth, it actually got quite diverting. I enjoyed this part of the book most. Finally, the ending was rushed and the writing seemed to get lazy. It almost seems like the series was rushed to fulfill audiobook preorder schedules.

I’ve read all the books in this series and Mr. Hurst’s Return is the best one. I admit I have preordered the audiobooks because I must have any Harry Frost variation.
Profile Image for Ashton Butler.
1,126 reviews
February 22, 2026
interesting

Not my favorite in this series. I liked the story. I liked the backbone that Bingley grew, even against Darcy. I would have liked this story to revolve more around Bingley, as the others revolved more around their return characters.
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,973 reviews17 followers
March 6, 2026
I loved it!

It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is part of the ‘Netherfield Returns’ series. A collection of standalone novels exploring what would happen if each of the major characters returned to Netherfield. They can be read in any order. This is a warm and emotionally rich variation filled with mistaken intentions, quiet heroism, and the steady unfolding of a love that nearly slipped away. Perfect for readers who enjoy thoughtful misunderstandings, strong family bonds, and Darcy and Elizabeth finding their way to one another at last.

When Miss Bingley arrives at Pemberley in a state of alarm, Mr. Darcy is quick to learn that his friend’s future may be in jeopardy. Convinced that Jane Bennet intends to secure Charles Bingley by any means necessary, Darcy determines to intervene, unaware that his actions will only deepen the divide between himself and Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth is certain that Darcy’s interference proves him proud, meddlesome, and determined to deny her sister happiness. Darcy, in turn, believes Elizabeth would gladly entrap his friend if given the opportunity. Each is convinced of the other’s worst intentions, and neither is prepared to concede error. Yet the truth has a way of asserting itself.

When unsettling revelations concerning Mr. Wickham come to light, Darcy is forced to confront the possibility that he has been gravely mistaken. With Georgiana Darcy’s courage and Elizabeth’s resolve bringing hidden matters into the open, long-standing deceptions unravel, and Wickham’s hold over Hertfordshire is finally broken. As misunderstandings fade and trust is slowly rebuilt, Darcy and Elizabeth must face not only their flawed judgments, but the growing affection they have been reluctant to acknowledge. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
1,251 reviews34 followers
April 6, 2026
Bingley grows a backbone

After the Bingleys and Darcy abandon Netherfield, Bingley learns that Caroline lied to him about Jane's feelings. When he declares his intention to return to Netherfield and pursue Jane, Caroline approaches Darcy for help. Darcy visits Netherfield and makes a strong effort to dissuade Bingley from proposing to Jane. Elizabeth sees this and goes on the attack against Darcy, trying to prevent him from ruining Jane's happiness. Darcy is at first ready to confront Elizabeth, but with Georgiana's help, he starts to see the situation differently.

Mr Rowland is always worth reading. He's a talented writer and knows how to construct a good tale. There's not much new here, and the angst and drama level is very low. The main plot points are that Bingley gets a backbone, and that Georgiana also gets one. Her role is important, which is nice. The romance is just so-so, as Darcy and Elizabeth spend a fair portion of the story at each other's throats. There are no serious villains at all. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it for a pleasant and light story.
Profile Image for Terri L. McClelland.
51 reviews
March 9, 2026
I enjoyed this book but will not add it to my favorites. There is a distinct lack of romance and Jann Rowland veered from his successful formula (imho) of having Elizabeth and Darcy reach an early understanding and unite to fight any obstacles in their path. Elizabeth and Darcy are very adversarial for almost the entire story. I personally prefer them to find their way with less conflict.

This variation begins after the Bingley party has returned to London. There Bingley discovers that his sister, Caroline, has been dishonest with him about Jane Bennet and her feelings. He decides to return to Netherfield and court Jane’s good opinion. Caroline runs to Darcy and sends him after Bingley to prevent him from getting involved with Jane and the Bennets. Bingley basically tells Darcy to butt out, but Darcy believes he can bring Bingley around with some time and patience. Elizabeth catches on to Darcy’s plan and lets him know there is no way she will allow him to interfere with her sister’s happiness.

Eventually Elizabeth meets Georgiana Darcy and learns about the Darcys’ history with Wickham. Elizabeth puts a plan in place to neutralize further damage on Wickham’s part. Darcy decides he likes Elizabeth and tells her so. It takes a while for her to come around. When she does, things are decided fairly quickly and dryly between them. No romance involved. I guess Mr Rowland meant to make this a “Bingley grows a backbone” story, but even that was fairly devoid of much emotion. Not really my cuppa, but I am an admirer of Mr Rowland’s body of work and this was a readable story.
342 reviews
April 8, 2026
Very disappointingly ending

It had a good premise, but i didn't find the misunderstanding between Darcy / Elizabeth about Jane / Bingley situation logical. While still admiring her and thinking well of her, Darcy also seems to think that Elizabeth is also pursuing Bingley for her sister for material gain. There's is no proper explanation behind how Darcy came to that. I'd say Elizabeth behaved fine, because it just looked like Darcy disapproved Jane just because of their connections / status. Therefore, it made no sense for her to suddenly see Darcy as good. He behaved horribly with Jane / Bingley, with Wickham yet everything us simply forgotten or unresolved. It's like the author forgot what they wrote in previous chapter, and the story didn't keep the facts straight in so many different places.

The summary of the book suggests more about E&D working on their misunderstandings but unfortunately nothing like that happened. Darcy randomly tells he likes her, some off page interactions, she then accepts his courtship and next page we are told they are married. Everything was quickly resolved just to finish the story, without any proper resolution
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Levi.
603 reviews17 followers
March 22, 2026
DNF at 40%.

for me it was the lack of reactions for Darcy's claims, honestly it irked me. The hypocrisy was so obvious, he condemned the Bennets for the same thing he is thinking. Childish story telling, no weight.
it was also boring, nothing happened only long internalized monologs. was dry ... I'm not saying it's AI but it had the feel of it.
Profile Image for Nicole Flynn.
14 reviews
February 28, 2026
a fun quick read

I enjoyed this story very much but would have liked to see a few more chapters. The ending seemed a bit rushed like a waiter pulling your plate before you finished the meal.
Profile Image for Mariska.
682 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2026
Very Nice!

One of the things that I like best about this story is the very real way that Elizabeth actually needs time to fall in love with Darcy after he finally stops acting like a jerk.
Profile Image for Terri Conley.
1,089 reviews8 followers
March 6, 2026
Another return story from the ever reliable Jann Rowland. I like it once ODC stopped bickering qe git down to it . I thought we could have a bit more of the romance but thats me.

I just read a quote today when a book is good its never long enough JA. And I agree.
9 reviews
February 24, 2026
Always automatic read

I always like Mr Rowland books. I read them as soon as they come out and am never disappointed in them.
Profile Image for Diane.
584 reviews
March 14, 2026
I did like parts of it, but it was not nearly as good as the others in the series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews