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Austen Addicts #4
Christmas with Mr Darcy
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a little bit of Jane Austen ...
Christmas is being celebrated in style at Purley Hall in Hampshire because renowned actress, Dame Pamela Harcourt, is holding a special Jane Austen Conference. Everybody’s there: Katherine and Warwick, Robyn and Dan, Kay, Adam and Gemma, and Sarah and Mia. Oh, and Mrs Soames.
But, when a rare first edition of Pride and Prejudice goes missing, the guests have to forget the fun and games and turn detective...
Christmas with Mr Darcy is the light-hearted novella sequel to the bestselling Austen Addicts’ Trilogy: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
Christmas is being celebrated in style at Purley Hall in Hampshire because renowned actress, Dame Pamela Harcourt, is holding a special Jane Austen Conference. Everybody’s there: Katherine and Warwick, Robyn and Dan, Kay, Adam and Gemma, and Sarah and Mia. Oh, and Mrs Soames.
But, when a rare first edition of Pride and Prejudice goes missing, the guests have to forget the fun and games and turn detective...
Christmas with Mr Darcy is the light-hearted novella sequel to the bestselling Austen Addicts’ Trilogy: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2012
20 people are currently reading
651 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Connelly
67 books509 followersVictoria Connelly grew up in Norfolk before attending Worcester College where she studied English Literature. After graduating, she worked her way through a number of jobs before becoming a teacher in North Yorkshire.
In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!
Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.
Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.
In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!
Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.
Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.
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November 3, 2017Christmas With Mr. Darcy is the novella sequel to Victoria Connelly’s Austen Addicts trilogy: A Weekend With Mr. Darcy, Dreaming of Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Darcy Forever. Connelly brings the heroes and heroines from each of these novels together for a special Christmas Jane Austen Conference at Purley Hall, hosted by Dame Pamela Harcourt, an actress known for her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet, Marianne Dashwood, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and Fanny Dashwood in TV adaptations of Austen’s novels over the course of her career. From the preparations for the conference to the discussions and activities, Connelly brings the conference to life and makes die-hard Austen fans wish they could enjoy such companionship.
Readers will catch up with Dame Pamela, Robyn, Dan, Katherine, and Warwick from A Weekend With Mr. Darcy, Kay, Adam, and Gemma from Dreaming of Mr. Darcy, and sisters Sarah and Mia from Mr. Darcy Forever, along with such unforgettable characters as Doris Norris and Mrs. Soames. Connelly merges these characters together seamlessly, while incorporating new dramas. Mia is worried that something isn’t right with her sister, Sarah, and Katherine is worried that Warwick is hiding something from her…again. Dame Pamela is upset that her brother, Benedict, is coming to Purley Hall uninvited and wonders what trouble he’s gotten into this time. Moreover, things are disappearing, and when Dame Pamela’s newly acquired three-volume first edition of Pride and Prejudice goes missing, chaos erupts.
I gobbled up Christmas With Mr. Darcy in just a couple of hours, curled up on the couch under a warm blanket, and I enjoyed it so much, I wish it had been a novel instead of a novella. Although the mystery was pretty obvious, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the Austen talk and the Christmas charm. With all the discussions about Austen heroes and film adaptations, it’s clear that Connelly knows what it’s like to be an Austen addict. I think you need to have read the previous three books to understand all the connections, so if you enjoy contemporary romances with plenty of Austen references and endearingly flawed characters, what are you waiting for?
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
I received a free copy of this book for review.
Readers will catch up with Dame Pamela, Robyn, Dan, Katherine, and Warwick from A Weekend With Mr. Darcy, Kay, Adam, and Gemma from Dreaming of Mr. Darcy, and sisters Sarah and Mia from Mr. Darcy Forever, along with such unforgettable characters as Doris Norris and Mrs. Soames. Connelly merges these characters together seamlessly, while incorporating new dramas. Mia is worried that something isn’t right with her sister, Sarah, and Katherine is worried that Warwick is hiding something from her…again. Dame Pamela is upset that her brother, Benedict, is coming to Purley Hall uninvited and wonders what trouble he’s gotten into this time. Moreover, things are disappearing, and when Dame Pamela’s newly acquired three-volume first edition of Pride and Prejudice goes missing, chaos erupts.
I gobbled up Christmas With Mr. Darcy in just a couple of hours, curled up on the couch under a warm blanket, and I enjoyed it so much, I wish it had been a novel instead of a novella. Although the mystery was pretty obvious, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the Austen talk and the Christmas charm. With all the discussions about Austen heroes and film adaptations, it’s clear that Connelly knows what it’s like to be an Austen addict. I think you need to have read the previous three books to understand all the connections, so if you enjoy contemporary romances with plenty of Austen references and endearingly flawed characters, what are you waiting for?
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
I received a free copy of this book for review.
October 3, 2012
I love Victoria's writing - fun and entertaining. Here, in this novella she seamlessly brings together characters from the Austen trilogy (both secondary and main characters) that just leaves you wanting more of this romantic comedy genre!
January 15, 2021
Nice accompaniment to the series
Got through this in one go. Having read the trilogy it was good to revisit with the characters. Not a PD James mystery but at 113 pages not a surprise. A must for fans of the series.
Got through this in one go. Having read the trilogy it was good to revisit with the characters. Not a PD James mystery but at 113 pages not a surprise. A must for fans of the series.
May 31, 2018
Very Cute!
I'm very much enjoying the Austen Addicts series. This novella was a nicely done, light, summer read. Can't wait to start the next one!
I'm very much enjoying the Austen Addicts series. This novella was a nicely done, light, summer read. Can't wait to start the next one!
January 7, 2024
Hallmark movie meets Jane Austen fans
A bit cheesy, predictable, and slow, but a cute read!
A bit cheesy, predictable, and slow, but a cute read!
November 7, 2012
I’m going to tell on myself. I’m a sniveling, sentimental sucker for a good Christmas story. It is only October and I’ve only devoured two of them so I’m way behind my normal seasonal curve. Thank heavens for Author Victoria Connelly, who sensing a good thing, has smartly thrown together ALL of the heroes and heroines from her Austen Addicts Trilogy: A Weekend with Mr. Darcy, Dreaming of Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Darcy Forever.
Thus, her follow-up novella, Christmas With Mr. Darcy, is like a recipe for a classic Christmas pudding: Combine growing romances, friends, family, a spectacularly decorated manor house, a sudden snow storm, mysterious criminal activity, full-throttle Jane Austen trivia, and then sit back and savor a large helping. Catch up with Katherine and Warwick, Kay and Adam, Dan and Robyn, Mia and Gabe, Sarah and Lloyd, et al, as they are invited to hostess and distinguished actress Dame Pamela Harcourt’s inaugural Jane Austen Christmas conference.
Along the way, we meet Higgins, Dame Pamela’s endearing and watchful butler, Benedict, Dan’s ‘neer-do-well’ older brother, (who invites himself) Mrs. Soames, (“Oh dear, who invited her?”) sweet Doris Norris, sisters Roberta and Rose, adorable Cassandra, (Dan and Robyn’s infant daughter) and a mustachioed gentleman who none of the invitees can seem to quite recognize. The author even manages to insert references to her own brood of beloved hens!
Victoria Connelly paints the holiday-decorated splendor of Dame Pamela’s grand Purley Hall while she builds anticipation by bouncing from one guest to another as they excitedly prepare for the journey to the conference.
In spite of a blinding snow storm, all of the guests arrive safely at Purley Hall and Dame Pamela welcomes the crowd with her trademark warmth, charm, glittering jewels, and stunning gowns. As the guests settle in, certain valuables begin to disappear without any trace. At first, most who have suffered loss merely attribute it to forgetfulness or failing to pack correctly for the trip.
True to her dramatic personality, Dame Pamela announces the highlight of the entire conference: Her anonymous purchase at Sotheby’s of a rare 3-volume first edition of Pride and Prejudice for just under one hundred and eighty thousand pounds. The assembled guest gasped as she holds the delicately unwrapped treasure aloft. However, on Christmas morning, the unthinkable occurs. “Think! Had she really put the first edition back in the safe as Higgins had expressly told her to do straight after or had she placed it on her desk or left it somewhere else?”
With that significant loss the fun really begins……Guest sisters Roberta and Rose think Roberta may inadvertently have the first edition but aren’t sure. Roberta borrowed a three volume edition from Dame Pamela’s library and the books look ancient. Needless to say the fumbled efforts of the two quaint sisters to secretly return the suspected books back to the library are beyond hilarious. The proceedings are reminiscent of the board game “Clue” where everyone becomes a ‘suspect.’ That’s as far as this reviewer intends to go into this mystery or we’ll be treading into spoiler territory.
While many Austen fan-fiction authors merely dip the reader’s toes into Jane’s special world, Victoria Connelly baptizes with full immersion. I love her steadfastness because she may be limiting her readership in order to lavish on her Janeite fans their full measure. Indeed, some of the trivia references even threw this Jane Austen addict for a loop! Can the naïve’ reader, who may not fathom many of the references to Miss Austen’s works, still enjoy this story? What’s there not to be delighted about in a romantic, festive, Christmas mystery?
Finally, the author teases us with hints of another sequel: There is a marriage proposal and wedding planned. Somebody reveals she is pregnant. Is another seasonal conference in the works? Hush, mum’s the word on all of that. Sophisticated readers may find the plot of Christmas With Mr. Darcy somewhat transparent and simplistic, but that’s not what this sentimental reader/reviewer seeks in a good Christmas story. I’m looking for the warm-hearted joy, romance, friendship, and love that the season brings and the author delivers that in abundance. If you’ve enjoyed any/all of Victoria Connelly’s Austen Addicts Trilogy, it is never too early in the holiday season to catch up with your cherished friends.
Thus, her follow-up novella, Christmas With Mr. Darcy, is like a recipe for a classic Christmas pudding: Combine growing romances, friends, family, a spectacularly decorated manor house, a sudden snow storm, mysterious criminal activity, full-throttle Jane Austen trivia, and then sit back and savor a large helping. Catch up with Katherine and Warwick, Kay and Adam, Dan and Robyn, Mia and Gabe, Sarah and Lloyd, et al, as they are invited to hostess and distinguished actress Dame Pamela Harcourt’s inaugural Jane Austen Christmas conference.
Along the way, we meet Higgins, Dame Pamela’s endearing and watchful butler, Benedict, Dan’s ‘neer-do-well’ older brother, (who invites himself) Mrs. Soames, (“Oh dear, who invited her?”) sweet Doris Norris, sisters Roberta and Rose, adorable Cassandra, (Dan and Robyn’s infant daughter) and a mustachioed gentleman who none of the invitees can seem to quite recognize. The author even manages to insert references to her own brood of beloved hens!
Victoria Connelly paints the holiday-decorated splendor of Dame Pamela’s grand Purley Hall while she builds anticipation by bouncing from one guest to another as they excitedly prepare for the journey to the conference.
In spite of a blinding snow storm, all of the guests arrive safely at Purley Hall and Dame Pamela welcomes the crowd with her trademark warmth, charm, glittering jewels, and stunning gowns. As the guests settle in, certain valuables begin to disappear without any trace. At first, most who have suffered loss merely attribute it to forgetfulness or failing to pack correctly for the trip.
True to her dramatic personality, Dame Pamela announces the highlight of the entire conference: Her anonymous purchase at Sotheby’s of a rare 3-volume first edition of Pride and Prejudice for just under one hundred and eighty thousand pounds. The assembled guest gasped as she holds the delicately unwrapped treasure aloft. However, on Christmas morning, the unthinkable occurs. “Think! Had she really put the first edition back in the safe as Higgins had expressly told her to do straight after or had she placed it on her desk or left it somewhere else?”
With that significant loss the fun really begins……Guest sisters Roberta and Rose think Roberta may inadvertently have the first edition but aren’t sure. Roberta borrowed a three volume edition from Dame Pamela’s library and the books look ancient. Needless to say the fumbled efforts of the two quaint sisters to secretly return the suspected books back to the library are beyond hilarious. The proceedings are reminiscent of the board game “Clue” where everyone becomes a ‘suspect.’ That’s as far as this reviewer intends to go into this mystery or we’ll be treading into spoiler territory.
While many Austen fan-fiction authors merely dip the reader’s toes into Jane’s special world, Victoria Connelly baptizes with full immersion. I love her steadfastness because she may be limiting her readership in order to lavish on her Janeite fans their full measure. Indeed, some of the trivia references even threw this Jane Austen addict for a loop! Can the naïve’ reader, who may not fathom many of the references to Miss Austen’s works, still enjoy this story? What’s there not to be delighted about in a romantic, festive, Christmas mystery?
Finally, the author teases us with hints of another sequel: There is a marriage proposal and wedding planned. Somebody reveals she is pregnant. Is another seasonal conference in the works? Hush, mum’s the word on all of that. Sophisticated readers may find the plot of Christmas With Mr. Darcy somewhat transparent and simplistic, but that’s not what this sentimental reader/reviewer seeks in a good Christmas story. I’m looking for the warm-hearted joy, romance, friendship, and love that the season brings and the author delivers that in abundance. If you’ve enjoyed any/all of Victoria Connelly’s Austen Addicts Trilogy, it is never too early in the holiday season to catch up with your cherished friends.
November 27, 2012
Victoria Connelly brings her readers a delightfully entertaining holiday novella. Our favorite Austen Addicts are reunited at Purley Hall for Dame Pamela Harcourt’s first annual Christmas conference.
Sparing no expense, Dame Pamela has created an atmosphere to rival any grand house party. I couldn’t help but wish I were in attendance. Between diverting parlor games, friendly competitions and dancing, along with a surprise guaranteed to render fellow Janeites speechless, this is promising to be a Christmas to remember for many of the guests. After dinner cocktails, aptly named Fitzwilliam Fizzer and Pink Bingley, sparked much dialog amongst the ladies of the group, who added their own suggestions of Wicked Wickham and Tickling Tilney, I found myself becoming thirsty for a nice glass of punch, as the merriment in the story is contagious.
In addition to the holiday mirth, Connelly weaves in a little mystery. When her first edition of Pride and Prejudice goes missing, Dame Pamela is nonplussed. Who would have taken a most beloved novel? Surely no Janeite would commit such an act. After all, Janeites are a most amiable group, almost like family. Adding to the mystery is a list of personal belongings that have gone missing from fellow conference goers. Is the culprit Pamela’s brother Benedict, the black sheep of the family who only comes around when he needs money? He has been sizing up the cost of several items at Purley Hall. What about the new Janeite in attendance, the taciturn Jackson Moore? He does strike one as being a little peculiar.
Connelly creates an idyllic setting, laden with picturesque imagery, allowing me to experience Purley Hall’s Christmas splendor first hand: freshly fallen snow, holly, ribbon, trimmed trees, and crackling fires. The atmosphere summoned my Midwestern roots. Having always enjoyed a good snowstorm, I was reveling in the thought of being snowed in with those dear to me, just like our friends at Purley Hall.
What’s even better is that one does not need to have read the previous Austen Addicts books to enjoy this holiday tale. Having done so, may offer you a better understanding of the characters’ personalities, such as Mrs. Soames, but it does not affect the reader’s enjoyment or understanding. Connelly creates characters that readers feel they know. In the same way Austen lovers feel connected to Fitzwilliam Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, Anne Elliot, and Captain Wentworth, through her marvelous characterization, that same familiarity is felt with Connelly’s beloved characters, Katherine Roberts, Warwick Lawton, Dan Harcourt, Robyn Love, Doris Noris, and, yes, even the tartar Mrs. Soames. Because Connelly also draws parallels between her characters and Austen’s, the novella was even more enjoyable as I attempted to pick out all of the Austen references and quotes.
Whether you are an Austen Addicts follower or newbie, if you are looking for an enjoyable and quick holiday read that will fill you with Christmas cheer, then Christmas with Mr. Darcy is just the thing. As always, Victoria Connelly has left me wanting more, particularly more of Katherine Roberts and Warwick Lawton from A Weekend with Mr. Darcy.
Originally posted on www.leatherboundreviews.blogspot.com
FTC Disclaimer: Review copy provided by author
Sparing no expense, Dame Pamela has created an atmosphere to rival any grand house party. I couldn’t help but wish I were in attendance. Between diverting parlor games, friendly competitions and dancing, along with a surprise guaranteed to render fellow Janeites speechless, this is promising to be a Christmas to remember for many of the guests. After dinner cocktails, aptly named Fitzwilliam Fizzer and Pink Bingley, sparked much dialog amongst the ladies of the group, who added their own suggestions of Wicked Wickham and Tickling Tilney, I found myself becoming thirsty for a nice glass of punch, as the merriment in the story is contagious.
In addition to the holiday mirth, Connelly weaves in a little mystery. When her first edition of Pride and Prejudice goes missing, Dame Pamela is nonplussed. Who would have taken a most beloved novel? Surely no Janeite would commit such an act. After all, Janeites are a most amiable group, almost like family. Adding to the mystery is a list of personal belongings that have gone missing from fellow conference goers. Is the culprit Pamela’s brother Benedict, the black sheep of the family who only comes around when he needs money? He has been sizing up the cost of several items at Purley Hall. What about the new Janeite in attendance, the taciturn Jackson Moore? He does strike one as being a little peculiar.
Connelly creates an idyllic setting, laden with picturesque imagery, allowing me to experience Purley Hall’s Christmas splendor first hand: freshly fallen snow, holly, ribbon, trimmed trees, and crackling fires. The atmosphere summoned my Midwestern roots. Having always enjoyed a good snowstorm, I was reveling in the thought of being snowed in with those dear to me, just like our friends at Purley Hall.
What’s even better is that one does not need to have read the previous Austen Addicts books to enjoy this holiday tale. Having done so, may offer you a better understanding of the characters’ personalities, such as Mrs. Soames, but it does not affect the reader’s enjoyment or understanding. Connelly creates characters that readers feel they know. In the same way Austen lovers feel connected to Fitzwilliam Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, Anne Elliot, and Captain Wentworth, through her marvelous characterization, that same familiarity is felt with Connelly’s beloved characters, Katherine Roberts, Warwick Lawton, Dan Harcourt, Robyn Love, Doris Noris, and, yes, even the tartar Mrs. Soames. Because Connelly also draws parallels between her characters and Austen’s, the novella was even more enjoyable as I attempted to pick out all of the Austen references and quotes.
Whether you are an Austen Addicts follower or newbie, if you are looking for an enjoyable and quick holiday read that will fill you with Christmas cheer, then Christmas with Mr. Darcy is just the thing. As always, Victoria Connelly has left me wanting more, particularly more of Katherine Roberts and Warwick Lawton from A Weekend with Mr. Darcy.
Originally posted on www.leatherboundreviews.blogspot.com
FTC Disclaimer: Review copy provided by author
November 2, 2012
"Christmas with Mr Darcy" is a light-hearted, delightful novella, Victoria Connelly has recenlty published as a sequel to her "A Weekend with Mr Darcy", "The Perfect Hero" (or "Dreaming of Mr Darcy" in the US version) and "Mr Darcy Forever" . I read the three of them with the same foolish grin mentioned above, it means I simply loved them all. They are all brilliant Austen-inpired modern romances full of references to Austen beloved works and all the dreamy places connected to her life and novels. Delightfully written with a light touch on reality, irony, and skillful characterization, they find a proper sequel in "Christmas with Mr Darcy" .
In Victoria Connelly’s latest indie publication all the heroes and heroines of her Austen Addicts’ Trilogy gather together to celebrate Christmas as well as their favourite author, Jane Austen. The great reunion takes place at Purley Hall in Hampshire because renowned actress, Dame Pamela Harcourt, is holding a special Jane Austen Conference.
Christmas is being celebrated in style and everybody’s there: Katherine and Warwick, Robyn and Dan, Kay, Adam and Gemma, and Sarah and Mia. But, when the rare first edition of Pride and Prejudice Dame Pamela has recently bought goes missing, the guests have to forget the fun and games and turn detective...
The fan and games? Team contests, meetings with the cast of recent adaptations, watching Austen movies or series and discussings them among others. Those discussion were great fun to me: to read what Austen fans have to say after watching the movies or series scheduled at the Conference was like watching me and my Janeite friends in a mirror. The lady guests start talking animatedly about who the perfect new Mr Knightley , Mr Darcy or Captain Wentworth may be: Richard Armitage? Henry Cavill? Well, it was as if Victoria had turned us members of the enthusiastic community of Austenites into characters of her book (me included!) and our chatterings about Austen movies and favourite actors were tranferred from the online forums or from our sitting rooms to the guests of the splendid country mansion.
I also appreciated the addition of a bit of mystery in the style of the best whodunnit novels. There is no Poirot, no Miss Marple, but the puzzling situation is brilliantly solved by the lovely guests . Who’s guilty of all the thefts taking place at the Conference?
Being snowed in is not a very pleasant situation in my personal experience , instead the snowy landscape adds a touch of fairy powder to the story. Would you mind being caught in in a wonderful mansion in Hampshire with all the comfort you need and in the best company you can wish? I’m sure you wouldn’t complain. Especially after winning your own Mr Darcy and sharing the experience with him , as Katherine, Robyn or Kay do.
Grab your copy of Christmas with Mr Darcy and get ready to read it near the fire and under the Christmas tree. I bet you’ll love it.
(READ MY POST ABOUT THE BOOK , INCLUDING THIS REVIEW, AT MY JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB
http://thesecretunderstandingofthehea...)
December 11, 2012
After transporting readers to: a picturesque Georgian manor house in the historic and “homey” county of Hampshire to attend a Jane Austen conference (A Weekendwith Mr. Darcy), the seaside village of Lyme Regis and the set of a big screen film adaptation of Persuasion (Dreaming of Mr.Darcy), and the busy streets of Bath for the annual Jane Austen Festival (Mr. Darcy Forever), Austenesque author, Victoria Connelly brings her audience back to the splendor and beauty of Purley Hall for a special and snowy holiday visit!
How fun it was to see Ms. Connelly's delightful and engaging characters assembled all together! It kind of felt like a reunion of old friends! Since this novella is a sequel to all three books, readers are able to catch a glimpse of what all these “Austen Addicts” have been up to since we last encountered them. It was wonderfully satisfying to see how each couple was doing, how each relationship was developing, and how their love of Jane Austen continued to grow and impact their lives. I especially enjoyed revisiting many of Ms. Connelly's colorful and endearing minor characters as well. I loved seeing dear Rose, Roberta, Doris, and the ever-gracious Dame Pamela Harcourt again...I even enjoyed encountering Mrs. Soames again – who we all know is quite a fussy curmudgeon!
I deeply enjoyed all that took place during this Jane Austen Christmas Conference. As with all the other novels in the Austen Addict Trilogy, I loved witnessing the characters discuss and debate Jane Austen novels, observing their conversations during the film viewings, and living vicariously through them during the exhibits, trivia quiz, and ball. How I wish I could attend this conference myself!
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
How fun it was to see Ms. Connelly's delightful and engaging characters assembled all together! It kind of felt like a reunion of old friends! Since this novella is a sequel to all three books, readers are able to catch a glimpse of what all these “Austen Addicts” have been up to since we last encountered them. It was wonderfully satisfying to see how each couple was doing, how each relationship was developing, and how their love of Jane Austen continued to grow and impact their lives. I especially enjoyed revisiting many of Ms. Connelly's colorful and endearing minor characters as well. I loved seeing dear Rose, Roberta, Doris, and the ever-gracious Dame Pamela Harcourt again...I even enjoyed encountering Mrs. Soames again – who we all know is quite a fussy curmudgeon!
I deeply enjoyed all that took place during this Jane Austen Christmas Conference. As with all the other novels in the Austen Addict Trilogy, I loved witnessing the characters discuss and debate Jane Austen novels, observing their conversations during the film viewings, and living vicariously through them during the exhibits, trivia quiz, and ball. How I wish I could attend this conference myself!
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
August 20, 2017
The fourth story in The Austen Addicts Series. It is a light-hearted and delightful novella.
We find ourselves back at Purley Hall with Dame Pamela Harcourt for a special Jane Austen Christmas Conference. The conference brings together all the protagonists from the first three books. Katherine and Warwick, Robyn and Dan, Kay and Adam, Mia and Sarah also of course Gemma, Dame Pamela, Higgins, Doris Norris and the infamous Mrs Soames.
I love it when characters from different books come together and even though they are all in the same series of books, it was interesting to see how they author enabled them to interact together. Of course, it is their love of Jane Austen that draws them together as the common bond. Victoria Connelly has brought them together well and one of my favourite conversations in the story is about Richard Armitage being the lost Mr Darcy. I have to agree, I think he would make a wonderful Darcy.
Dame Pamela with the aid of Robyn, Dan and Higgins have compiled an interesting and inspiring conference for the guests. Despite being snowed in the conference couldn't be more perfect. However, a shadow is cast over the conference when Dame Pamela's rare first edition of Pride and Prejudice goes missing, surely it couldn't have been stolen. Who could it be? Surely Mrs Soames hasn't borrowed it? It transpires though there is more than just the books missing.
There are of course two suspects. The first is one of Dame Pamela's younger brother's Benedict, who is always in need of money and the second is an unfriendly gentleman with a moustache whose name is Jackson Moore. To find out you are going to have to read the story.
We find ourselves back at Purley Hall with Dame Pamela Harcourt for a special Jane Austen Christmas Conference. The conference brings together all the protagonists from the first three books. Katherine and Warwick, Robyn and Dan, Kay and Adam, Mia and Sarah also of course Gemma, Dame Pamela, Higgins, Doris Norris and the infamous Mrs Soames.
I love it when characters from different books come together and even though they are all in the same series of books, it was interesting to see how they author enabled them to interact together. Of course, it is their love of Jane Austen that draws them together as the common bond. Victoria Connelly has brought them together well and one of my favourite conversations in the story is about Richard Armitage being the lost Mr Darcy. I have to agree, I think he would make a wonderful Darcy.
Dame Pamela with the aid of Robyn, Dan and Higgins have compiled an interesting and inspiring conference for the guests. Despite being snowed in the conference couldn't be more perfect. However, a shadow is cast over the conference when Dame Pamela's rare first edition of Pride and Prejudice goes missing, surely it couldn't have been stolen. Who could it be? Surely Mrs Soames hasn't borrowed it? It transpires though there is more than just the books missing.
There are of course two suspects. The first is one of Dame Pamela's younger brother's Benedict, who is always in need of money and the second is an unfriendly gentleman with a moustache whose name is Jackson Moore. To find out you are going to have to read the story.
March 28, 2015
Dans cette "vignette" spéciale Noël, on retrouve tous les personnages des trois précédents tomes. C'est donc l'occasion de voir ce qu'ils deviennent... Et, oui c'est plaisant. Sauf que malheureusement, il ne se passe rien de plus... Alors bien entendu, je suis ravie de savoir Katherine et Warwick toujours ensemble ( la surprise de Noel de Warwick est évidente...), Robyn et Dan ont une fille (youpiiii); Adam et Kay sont restés ensemble, Gemma est cool avec son Rob, et les soeurs sont heureuses... Bien entendu, au delà de ce bonheur idyllique, il se passe des choses.... Des objets commencent à disparaitre (histoire qu'il se passe tout de même quelque chose) et l'auteur nous désigne un suspect potentiel ( que perso je ne retiens pas trop proche des héros...) Finalement, les janeïtes s'avèrent plus malins que tous les autres et démasquent le voleur (qui était évident)
A part ça, la convention Jane Austen se poursuit et je suis toujours aussi ravie de lire les échanges autour du fan dom de Jane ( les conversations autour des adaptations et autres me donnent trop envie de participer à un tel événement ! )
Ce que j'aime : Malgré tout, retrouver les personnages des précédents épisodes, Mrs Soames... Tout ce qui gravite autour d'une convention Austen
Ce que j'aime moins : il faut admettre qu'il ne se passe pas grand chose...
En bref : Une jolie histoire qui plonge le lecteur dans l'univers de Jane Austen. Attendu mais néanmoins plaisant.
Ma note
6/10
A part ça, la convention Jane Austen se poursuit et je suis toujours aussi ravie de lire les échanges autour du fan dom de Jane ( les conversations autour des adaptations et autres me donnent trop envie de participer à un tel événement ! )
Ce que j'aime : Malgré tout, retrouver les personnages des précédents épisodes, Mrs Soames... Tout ce qui gravite autour d'une convention Austen
Ce que j'aime moins : il faut admettre qu'il ne se passe pas grand chose...
En bref : Une jolie histoire qui plonge le lecteur dans l'univers de Jane Austen. Attendu mais néanmoins plaisant.
Ma note
6/10
September 26, 2013
This is book 3.5 in the Austen Addicts series. I love this series , if you are a fan of Jane Austen then you may well enjoy this book/series by Victoria Connelly. In this book we meet a lot of the characters that we originally met in some of the previous books.
In this book we see the loyal fans of Jane Austen meeting at an unusual time of year.. December .
Jane Austen's birthday was December 16th and Purley Hall is going to be the place to be at where they are going to have a festive Austen Conference.
It was really great meeting older characters again and finding out what they have been getting up to since we last heard of them . There is a lot to be enjoyed about this series and it is so perfectly cosy for Jane Austen fans like me. There is a little mystery, troublesome guests, and a big old beautiful Hall to get snow bound in.... sigh...... I love this book. There is plenty of mentions of Miss Austen and her characters throughout the book which I can't get enough of and from cover to cover this is a feel good book that should be read somewhere cosy and warm.
In this book we see the loyal fans of Jane Austen meeting at an unusual time of year.. December .
Jane Austen's birthday was December 16th and Purley Hall is going to be the place to be at where they are going to have a festive Austen Conference.
It was really great meeting older characters again and finding out what they have been getting up to since we last heard of them . There is a lot to be enjoyed about this series and it is so perfectly cosy for Jane Austen fans like me. There is a little mystery, troublesome guests, and a big old beautiful Hall to get snow bound in.... sigh...... I love this book. There is plenty of mentions of Miss Austen and her characters throughout the book which I can't get enough of and from cover to cover this is a feel good book that should be read somewhere cosy and warm.
November 3, 2012
Christmas with Mr Darcy (an Austen Addicts story) novella
by Victoria Connelly
Genre: romance, Jane Austen Fan Fiction
Kindle Edition
Published 2012 by Cuthland Press
An absolutely not long enough follow up to Ms. Connelly's Austin Addicts series! I haven't read them and I didn't need to in order to enjoy this story. But, since I've read this, I moved the Addicts up my TBR list.
Now-how to say this without any spoilers to the previous books?
Friends and fellow Janeites are gathering for the Jane Austen Christmas conference hosted by Lady Pamela Harcourt. A little bit of a mystery and a few secrets are enlivening the conference.
A delightful story to feed our addiction to all things Austen.
I enjoyed the story. You should read it and let me know what you think!
I was not monetarily compensated for this review in any way. I won a free copy of this book by being randomly selected. All opinions are 100% my own.
by Victoria Connelly
Genre: romance, Jane Austen Fan Fiction
Kindle Edition
Published 2012 by Cuthland Press
An absolutely not long enough follow up to Ms. Connelly's Austin Addicts series! I haven't read them and I didn't need to in order to enjoy this story. But, since I've read this, I moved the Addicts up my TBR list.
Now-how to say this without any spoilers to the previous books?
Friends and fellow Janeites are gathering for the Jane Austen Christmas conference hosted by Lady Pamela Harcourt. A little bit of a mystery and a few secrets are enlivening the conference.
A delightful story to feed our addiction to all things Austen.
I enjoyed the story. You should read it and let me know what you think!
I was not monetarily compensated for this review in any way. I won a free copy of this book by being randomly selected. All opinions are 100% my own.
February 26, 2015
Christmas with Mr. Darcy (Austen Addicts )
One of Victoria Connelly's Austen Addicts story. This story takes place at Purley Hall for a Christmas Jane Austen Conference by Dame Pamela Harcourt. Game playing, singing, dancing, lectures by notable people about Jane Austen, movies of her books, and eating many courses meals are the highlight of this conference. Dame Pamela was an actress who played characters from Austen's novels. She was such a Janeite that she purchased by auction the three volume first addition set of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. As lovely as everything was, one person in the group was not a true Janeite, but was a thief. Valuables been to disappear
Including the first addition set. The thief was someone that several of the guests had doubts about. Thief was captured, restrained, and arrested for his crimes, and everyone got their valuables back. Novella and a quick read.
One of Victoria Connelly's Austen Addicts story. This story takes place at Purley Hall for a Christmas Jane Austen Conference by Dame Pamela Harcourt. Game playing, singing, dancing, lectures by notable people about Jane Austen, movies of her books, and eating many courses meals are the highlight of this conference. Dame Pamela was an actress who played characters from Austen's novels. She was such a Janeite that she purchased by auction the three volume first addition set of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. As lovely as everything was, one person in the group was not a true Janeite, but was a thief. Valuables been to disappear
Including the first addition set. The thief was someone that several of the guests had doubts about. Thief was captured, restrained, and arrested for his crimes, and everyone got their valuables back. Novella and a quick read.
December 7, 2012
Dame Pamela Harcourt is an established actress, who is most well known for starring in television adaptations of Jane Austen novels. Dame Pamela now organises and hosts Jane Austen Conferences for Jane Austen fans. She is about to put on her first Jane Austen Christmas conference at Purley Hall. But when it starts to snow will the Austen addicts be able to make it? Then when Dame Pamela’s brother Benedict who is always in a fix or trouble calls to say he is coming too and not long after he arrives a first edition of a Jane Austen book goes missing, will this become more like a whodunit than a Jane Austen experience?
A fabulous cast of characters that are so well written, that they could all easily have their own spin off books that would make great reads too. I can think of nothing better as a reader than to attend a Jane Austen Conference and how magical that would be at Christmas.
A fabulous cast of characters that are so well written, that they could all easily have their own spin off books that would make great reads too. I can think of nothing better as a reader than to attend a Jane Austen Conference and how magical that would be at Christmas.
May 29, 2013
This story follows on from the same author’s Austen Addicts trilogy. Here are all the main characters from the previous three books gathered together at a Christmas Jane Austen conference hosted by the inimitable Dame Pamela.
Even the critical Mrs Soames can’t spoil everyone’s enjoyment of the festive season but maybe someone else can spoil it. Valuable items start to go missing and guests look at each other with suspicion.
This is a light hearted feel-good book with the added ingredient of many references to Jane Austen’s novels. It is ideal light reading to relax with at any time of year – not just Christmas. The food is delicious, the people are interesting and the surroundings are glamorous but also homely. This is light entertainment at its best – for Austen addicts everywhere!
Even the critical Mrs Soames can’t spoil everyone’s enjoyment of the festive season but maybe someone else can spoil it. Valuable items start to go missing and guests look at each other with suspicion.
This is a light hearted feel-good book with the added ingredient of many references to Jane Austen’s novels. It is ideal light reading to relax with at any time of year – not just Christmas. The food is delicious, the people are interesting and the surroundings are glamorous but also homely. This is light entertainment at its best – for Austen addicts everywhere!
February 11, 2013
Christmas with Mr. Darcy is a novella that ties into Victoria Connelly's Austen Addicts series. I'd only read one of the three novels prior to reading the novella and found myself slightly lost at times with some of the references. This is my own fault and not the authors. I'd just recommend readers read the series prior to reading the novella.
I enjoyed Connelly's characters and the vivid world she created. This novella is definitely a treat for fans of Connelly and her Austen Addict series.
I enjoyed Connelly's characters and the vivid world she created. This novella is definitely a treat for fans of Connelly and her Austen Addict series.
December 5, 2013
This is an epilogue to a trilogy which I haven't read and it begins with a reintroduction to the characters from the other stories, nevertheless I was bored to tears by the third chapter. I'm just glad it was on offer when I bought it, unfortunately it wasn't free.
It is entirely predictable, the language is contrived and key Austen phrases are dropped in all over the place. The editing leaves a bit to be desired with words missing. Badly done.
It is entirely predictable, the language is contrived and key Austen phrases are dropped in all over the place. The editing leaves a bit to be desired with words missing. Badly done.
January 24, 2016
Christmas with Mr Darcy by Victoria Connelly - Fun
Just a little light hearted nonsense to while away a miserable winter morning.
The author brings together a selection of the characters from the first 3 books to spend Christmas at a Jane Austen conference. All the usual intrigues occur and you can spot what is going to happen a mile off. Doesn't spoil the escapism, just don't expect a work of great literature!
Just a little light hearted nonsense to while away a miserable winter morning.
The author brings together a selection of the characters from the first 3 books to spend Christmas at a Jane Austen conference. All the usual intrigues occur and you can spot what is going to happen a mile off. Doesn't spoil the escapism, just don't expect a work of great literature!
December 4, 2012
It was great to back and see many of the characters from Victoria Connelly's Austen Addicts Series. They came together very nicely at Purley Hall for a Christmas Jane Austen Conference. The story seemed brief, but was packed full of events, that were great, but predictable. Ms.Connelly has said she might revisit the Austen Addicts Series at a later date. Lets hope so!
October 31, 2014
I enjoyed this novella - meeting up with characters you've enjoyed hearing about before is always good - and this has a whole string of old friends - and the novella form means you don't have the chance to get fed up of them or need the couples to break up to create some drama. A nice Christmassy addition to the Austen Addicts series. I've got number 5 to read too.
April 21, 2016
In "Mr Darcy Forever", while signing his book for Shelley, Warwick says: "...as much as I’d like to, I think my fiancée would have something to say about it."
But in the end of "Christmas with Mr Darcy", which apparently takes place after the events on "Mr Darcy Forever", Warwick proposes to Katherine, who should have been his fiancée already!!
But in the end of "Christmas with Mr Darcy", which apparently takes place after the events on "Mr Darcy Forever", Warwick proposes to Katherine, who should have been his fiancée already!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2012
I love Victoria Connelly's stories, especially her Austen Addicts books! This one was not a dissapointment, apart from it being over so quickly!
The magic of Christmas, the romance of Austen and catching up with old friends!
The magic of Christmas, the romance of Austen and catching up with old friends!
November 11, 2012
A fun return to the characters of Ms. Connelly's Austen Addicts trilogy. A must-read for fans of this series, and perfect for the holidays! Stop by The Calico Critic for a brief interview with Victoria:
http://calicocritic.blogspot.com/2012...
http://calicocritic.blogspot.com/2012...
September 10, 2013
My first Christmas inspired book this year. Enjoyed it. Follows on from the characters we discovered in Weekend with Mr Darcy, was great to catch up with them and carry on with their story. The more I hear about Purley Hall the more I'd like to visit sounds picturesque.
Read
January 5, 2014Read this for our book group December choice. Had potential but fell at the last hurdle, what a missed opportunity, it finished too abruptly. Perhaps if I'd read others in the series I'd have enjoyed it more!
December 27, 2012
Completely predictable but a happy read.
Want to read
September 14, 2020i wanted more of tis story.
January 1, 2013
Holiday bookaday #11. Great to have the Austen addicts together for Christmas, with hints of another book to come.
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