Review: THE IMPOVERISHED ORPHAN by Kelly Miller

ABOUT THE BOOK

After a virulent illness takes the lives of Elizabeth Bennet’s parents and elder sister, she is raised at the Barton family estate in Salisbury. Unlike her Barton cousins, Noah and Cassandra, Elizabeth is penniless. Furthermore, she must be shielded from her uncle, a dissolute tradesman.

Whilst Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy stays at an estate near the Barton property, he seeks possible suspects for the murder of his London neighbor. Although Darcy is attracted to Elizabeth, he cannot overlook the disadvantages in her situation. To complicate matters, his impulsive act incurs Elizabeth’s hostility, whereas Miss Cassandra Barton’s preference for him is unmistakable.

In this sweet Pride and Prejudice Regency romance with a touch of cozy mystery, Mr. Darcy uncovers a web of lies that complicates his pursuit of Elizabeth. Will he find his way into Elizabeth’s heart?

The Impoverished Orphan by Kelly Miller, published November 2025

REVIEW by Christina Boyd

The Impoverished Orphan, Kelly Miller’s latest variation of Pride and Prejudice, is a wholly inventive, emotive, and deeply enjoyable reimagining that will delight devoted Janeites and newcomers alike. With grace and originality, Miller reshapes Jane Austen’s beloved classic into a tender Regency romance layered with a compelling cozy mystery.

In this fresh interpretation, Elizabeth Bennet’s circumstances are dramatically altered. Orphaned after a virulent illness claims her parents and elder sister, she is raised at the Barton estate in Salisbury—loved yet precariously positioned as a poor relation, giving lots of Mansfield Park vibes. Her vulnerability, particularly the need to shield her from a dissolute tradesman uncle, adds emotional weight and urgency to her story. Miller handles Elizabeth’s reduced circumstances with sensitivity, preserving her intelligence and dignity while allowing readers to feel the ache of her insecurity.

Enter Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, residing at a nearby estate and immersed in the investigation of his London neighbor’s murder. The mystery thread is skillfully woven into the romance, heightening the stakes without overshadowing the central love story. Darcy’s internal conflict—his growing attraction to Elizabeth set against her lack of fortune and the expectations of his world—is rendered with nuance and authenticity. His impulsive misstep, which earns Elizabeth’s justifiable hostility, provides the delicious tension that readers of Austen variations so cherish.

Miller excels at emotional pacing. The misunderstandings feel organic, the obstacles credible, and the gradual softening between Darcy and Elizabeth immensely satisfying. Cassandra Barton’s unmistakable preference for Darcy adds another layer of complication, while the unfolding web of deception surrounding the murder investigation keeps the narrative brisk and engaging.

The result is a beautifully balanced tale: part sweet Regency romance, part absorbing mystery, and entirely respectful of Austen’s spirit while confidently charting its own course. It is a gracious nod to Austen’s most popular novel, yet it stands firmly as a distinctive and memorable work in its own right.

The audiobook experience is elevated further by the always-wonderful narration of Stevie Zimmerman. Zimmerman brings warmth, clarity, and emotional depth to each character, capturing Elizabeth’s vulnerability, Darcy’s restraint, and the subtle tensions between them with admirable finesse. Her performance enhances both the romantic and suspenseful elements, making the story even more immersive.

Kelly Miller continues to prove herself a gifted writer of Austen variations. This novel is a splendid reworking—tender, intriguing, and thoroughly satisfying. 10/10.

Award winning author, Kelly Miller

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When not writing, Award-winning Regency romance author Kelly Miller spends her free time singing, playing the piano, reading, and amusing her dogs. Like a much-loved Jane Austen character, she is an excellent walker. Her Austenesque Regency romances have won first-place honors from the Chanticleer International Book Awards, Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, Indies Today Book Awards, Incipere Book Awards, and Firebird Book Awards. You can connect with Kelly via Linktree X Facebook