What do you think?
Rate this book
Holiday Machinations
When Elizabeth and Jane Bennet are called to London shortly after the Netherfield ball, things quickly go awry.
Miss Bingley’s plans are dashed, Jane’s hopes are rekindled, and Mr. Darcy is in a muddle. Elizabeth, of course, finds it all terribly funny—until it isn’t.
Miss Bingley’s plans are dashed, Jane’s hopes are rekindled, and Mr. Darcy is in a muddle. Elizabeth, of course, finds it all terribly funny—until it isn’t.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2023
64 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Adams
27 books300 followersElizabeth Adams is a book-loving, tango-dancing, Austen enthusiast. She loves old houses and thinks birthdays should be celebrated with trips—as should most occasions. She can often be found by a sunny window with a cup of hot tea and a book in her hand.
She writes romantic comedy and comedic tragedy in both historic and modern settings.
You can find more information, short stories, and outtakes at eadamswrites.com
She writes romantic comedy and comedic tragedy in both historic and modern settings.
You can find more information, short stories, and outtakes at eadamswrites.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 18, 2023
A good ‘what if’…
What if Elizabeth accompanied Jane to visit Miss Bingley in London after the Netherfield party left? Why, it would change everything!
A happy seasonal quick read. You will love how Darcy and Bingley decide things for Caroline.
What if Elizabeth accompanied Jane to visit Miss Bingley in London after the Netherfield party left? Why, it would change everything!
A happy seasonal quick read. You will love how Darcy and Bingley decide things for Caroline.
November 11, 2023
Darcy courts Lizzy in London
Only 4 stars because the new character uncle John has the ground work laid for a significant plot line and toward the end of the story he isn’t really important at all. I felt this was meant to be a longer story but the end was rushed instead.
Otherwise a fun story of Lizzy and Darcy in London, my favorite plot placement for JAFF stories.
Only 4 stars because the new character uncle John has the ground work laid for a significant plot line and toward the end of the story he isn’t really important at all. I felt this was meant to be a longer story but the end was rushed instead.
Otherwise a fun story of Lizzy and Darcy in London, my favorite plot placement for JAFF stories.
November 25, 2023
Short and enchanting
There is much focus on dealing with Caroline so Bingley can be with Jane.
Darcy, thinking he has competition finds he has no other choice but to pursue Elizabeth and win her!
It's a quick read, so for me, Elizabeth fell in love with Darcy fast, and I would have liked for more of her progress.
Aside from that, this is an adorable read.
There is much focus on dealing with Caroline so Bingley can be with Jane.
Darcy, thinking he has competition finds he has no other choice but to pursue Elizabeth and win her!
It's a quick read, so for me, Elizabeth fell in love with Darcy fast, and I would have liked for more of her progress.
Aside from that, this is an adorable read.
December 20, 2023
This P&P what if imagines what would happen if both Jane and Lizzy went to London almost on the tail coats of Mr. Bingley; Not because they are grasping but because Aunt Gardiner was injured and needed household assistance.
Luckily it is minor and the girls get a chance to pay a call on the Bingleys well the Hurst's
and Lizzy recognizes a footman from Netherfield and slips him her calling card..
Soon Bingley and Jane are reunited and Darcy is very much in love with Miss Elizabeth
three demerits
One the book ended much too quickly; at 91% Lizzy and Darcy were barely courting until quickly engaged
and too much familiarity with Uncle and Aunt Gardiner both called by their given names
Also MR Darcy's over the top reaction to Miss Bingley's letter to Jane He was absurd when he let Wickham walk away unscathed
Luckily it is minor and the girls get a chance to pay a call on the Bingleys well the Hurst's
and Lizzy recognizes a footman from Netherfield and slips him her calling card..
Soon Bingley and Jane are reunited and Darcy is very much in love with Miss Elizabeth
three demerits
One the book ended much too quickly; at 91% Lizzy and Darcy were barely courting until quickly engaged
and too much familiarity with Uncle and Aunt Gardiner both called by their given names
Also MR Darcy's over the top reaction to Miss Bingley's letter to Jane He was absurd when he let Wickham walk away unscathed
November 17, 2023
Short and sweet
January 20, 2024
This was really lovely, especially when Darcy called Elizabeth enchanting!
December 1, 2023
short and sweet
Great story to read anytime but especially fun during the holidays. The path to HEA is much more straightforward and there is virtually no angst.
Great story to read anytime but especially fun during the holidays. The path to HEA is much more straightforward and there is virtually no angst.
April 11, 2024
Status: Read November 30, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Review:
This novelette was getting good but was then rushed to its end quite abruptly. This ultimately left me feeling disappointed and wasted its great potential. I wish the author would take her idea and rewrite it as a complete novel, sans holiday-themed title as it is not particularly fitting.
Edition Read:
Holiday Machinations: A Pride & Prejudice Novelette
by Elizabeth Adams
Kindle Edition, 74 pages
Published November 10, 2023
ASIN: B0CM144YR3
[ kindle unlimited ]
When Elizabeth and Jane Bennet are called to London shortly after the Netherfield ball, things quickly go awry.
Miss Bingley’s plans are dashed, Jane’s hopes are rekindled, and Mr. Darcy is in a muddle. Elizabeth, of course, finds it all terribly funny—until it isn’t.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Review:
This novelette was getting good but was then rushed to its end quite abruptly. This ultimately left me feeling disappointed and wasted its great potential. I wish the author would take her idea and rewrite it as a complete novel, sans holiday-themed title as it is not particularly fitting.
Edition Read:
Holiday Machinations: A Pride & Prejudice Novelette
by Elizabeth Adams
Kindle Edition, 74 pages
Published November 10, 2023
ASIN: B0CM144YR3
[ kindle unlimited ]
When Elizabeth and Jane Bennet are called to London shortly after the Netherfield ball, things quickly go awry.
Miss Bingley’s plans are dashed, Jane’s hopes are rekindled, and Mr. Darcy is in a muddle. Elizabeth, of course, finds it all terribly funny—until it isn’t.
November 23, 2023
Wonderful
A too, too short novella, but fun, amusing, and oh so sweet! This author is an automatic purchase for me. She never disappoints. After the Netherfield ball, and after the Bingleys and Darcy have left Netherfield, aunt Gardiner asks Elizabeth and Jane to assist her in London, since she broke her arm. Elizabeth and Jane pay a call on Caroline Bingley in London, and after getting a frosty reception from her, Elizabeth decides to leave her calling card and a secret message for Mr Bingley with a footman that she recognizes from Netherfield. Thus, Bingley finds out about Jane's presence in London, and reunites with her immediately. Darcy is, as per usual, fighting his strong attraction to Elizabeth, but it's a losing battle after he encounters her at a bookshop, where she's accompanied by her aunt's brother, who Darcy mistakes for a suitor.
I love the new character of John Madison, brother to aunt Gardiner, and who is a mischievous and amusing honorary uncle to Elizabeth and Jane. The author has allowed Bingley to have more backbone in this version, and it's satisfying when Caroline has to face the consequences of her malicious and dishonest letter to Jane. The book is well written and well edited. My only complaint is that the book could have easily been longer. The resolution, although romantic, felt a little rushed, and I was interested in John Madison's outcome. An epilogue would have been lovely. However, I recommend this book highly.
A too, too short novella, but fun, amusing, and oh so sweet! This author is an automatic purchase for me. She never disappoints. After the Netherfield ball, and after the Bingleys and Darcy have left Netherfield, aunt Gardiner asks Elizabeth and Jane to assist her in London, since she broke her arm. Elizabeth and Jane pay a call on Caroline Bingley in London, and after getting a frosty reception from her, Elizabeth decides to leave her calling card and a secret message for Mr Bingley with a footman that she recognizes from Netherfield. Thus, Bingley finds out about Jane's presence in London, and reunites with her immediately. Darcy is, as per usual, fighting his strong attraction to Elizabeth, but it's a losing battle after he encounters her at a bookshop, where she's accompanied by her aunt's brother, who Darcy mistakes for a suitor.
I love the new character of John Madison, brother to aunt Gardiner, and who is a mischievous and amusing honorary uncle to Elizabeth and Jane. The author has allowed Bingley to have more backbone in this version, and it's satisfying when Caroline has to face the consequences of her malicious and dishonest letter to Jane. The book is well written and well edited. My only complaint is that the book could have easily been longer. The resolution, although romantic, felt a little rushed, and I was interested in John Madison's outcome. An epilogue would have been lovely. However, I recommend this book highly.
November 27, 2023
Holiday Machinations
A very delightful Pride and Prejudice novelette. Loved Darcy in this story even if it took him a while to find himself and act on his feelings instead of constantly trying to dismiss them. Even though the hateful Meryton Assembly remark was made and Elizabeth’s ear was turned by the silver-tongued wicked Wickham, Darcy was lost to Elizabeth, and the only way left was forward. HEA for both ODCs. Also loved how Elizabeth Adams dealt with fork-tongued Caroline Bingley. Yes, this was a very enjoyable read.
A very delightful Pride and Prejudice novelette. Loved Darcy in this story even if it took him a while to find himself and act on his feelings instead of constantly trying to dismiss them. Even though the hateful Meryton Assembly remark was made and Elizabeth’s ear was turned by the silver-tongued wicked Wickham, Darcy was lost to Elizabeth, and the only way left was forward. HEA for both ODCs. Also loved how Elizabeth Adams dealt with fork-tongued Caroline Bingley. Yes, this was a very enjoyable read.
November 15, 2023
Short & Sweet
A well-written novella that gives us an idea of what might have happened if Elizabeth had accompanied Jane to London after the Netherfield Ball. Some new characters are introduced as relatives of Aunt Gardiner. Bingley has a spine. Everything is wrapped up neatly in time for the holiday season.
A well-written novella that gives us an idea of what might have happened if Elizabeth had accompanied Jane to London after the Netherfield Ball. Some new characters are introduced as relatives of Aunt Gardiner. Bingley has a spine. Everything is wrapped up neatly in time for the holiday season.
November 14, 2023
Call me an easy to please reader but when you mix a Pride and Prejudice variables with Christmas, 9 times out of 10 you get a winner. Ms. Adams had me hooked from the get-go.
December 11, 2023
Cute story, but ended very abruptly. The new character seemed to drop off after teasing a plot twist which never materialized.
November 11, 2023
A Sweet Holiday Treat
Another absolutely delightful Austenesque story from the talented quill of Elizabeth Adams. A sweet little treat to enjoy while waiting on your holiday baking to cook for example. I thoroughly enjoyed it as always and my only complaint is I want more. 😉 Honestly her stories are so good I don’t even read the blurb I just buy it and dive right in!
Another absolutely delightful Austenesque story from the talented quill of Elizabeth Adams. A sweet little treat to enjoy while waiting on your holiday baking to cook for example. I thoroughly enjoyed it as always and my only complaint is I want more. 😉 Honestly her stories are so good I don’t even read the blurb I just buy it and dive right in!
December 30, 2023
Lovely short story!
For my taste though a little too much of Jane and Bingley, Miss Bingley's dealings and not enough of Elizabeth and Darcy's love story. Elizabeth's feelings for Darcy felt rushed or their love story in particular. From one day to another has Elizabeth suddenly feeling for him. But it was a lovely story nonetheless and well written.
It still deserves 4 stars.
For my taste though a little too much of Jane and Bingley, Miss Bingley's dealings and not enough of Elizabeth and Darcy's love story. Elizabeth's feelings for Darcy felt rushed or their love story in particular. From one day to another has Elizabeth suddenly feeling for him. But it was a lovely story nonetheless and well written.
It still deserves 4 stars.
December 9, 2023
There is so much to enjoy of this story, but some of the plot points just disappear. It is based in London after the ball as Elizabeth and Jane Bennet travel to help their aunt in December.
November 23, 2023
RATING 4.5 (Rounded up for the above)
In the world of Austen inspired stories, Elizabeth Adams is one of my 'auto buy' authors because I love the way she balances bringing a freshness and creativity to the classic Pride and Prejudice story, while respecting the beauty of what we all love about Austen's classic.
Needless to say, I was excited to hear that Adams was bringing all of us some holiday cheer with a new novelette, Holiday Machinations. In this story, Jane and Elizabeth find themselves invited to London shortly after the Netherfield ball, following the Bingleys and Darcy sudden departure from Meryton.
Of course, Elizabeth, being the independently minded woman that she is and a fierce protector of Jane's heart, will not let things lie and puts a plan into action to make sure that Mr. Bingley is aware they have called on his sisters and are in town. This sets off a sequence of events that brings our couples into various meetings and it was sweet to see Jane and Bingley come to quickly recognize their mutual affection more readily without the extended delay in the original novel. I also loved seeing Bingley be more assertive about what he wants and putting his family in their place---WELL DONE Bingley!
Darcy is shocked to run into Elizabeth in town and slowly comes to realize that she will not leave his mind or heart. While at first he tries to fight his attraction, more planned and unplanned interactions force Darcy to examine his own feelings, especially when a potential competing suitor enters the picture.
Soon enough, Elizabeth and Darcy's prejudices and pride, melt away as they come to a better understanding of each other and their own internal desires. It was sweet to see how our favorite couple ultimately come to reveal their true hearts to one another. Adams is a master of dialogue that is beautiful and full of feeling and this was once again on display in this novelette. This was a lovely, quick holiday themed read that you can sit down to enjoy in one afternoon so add it to your holiday TBR and get to reading!
In the world of Austen inspired stories, Elizabeth Adams is one of my 'auto buy' authors because I love the way she balances bringing a freshness and creativity to the classic Pride and Prejudice story, while respecting the beauty of what we all love about Austen's classic.
Needless to say, I was excited to hear that Adams was bringing all of us some holiday cheer with a new novelette, Holiday Machinations. In this story, Jane and Elizabeth find themselves invited to London shortly after the Netherfield ball, following the Bingleys and Darcy sudden departure from Meryton.
Of course, Elizabeth, being the independently minded woman that she is and a fierce protector of Jane's heart, will not let things lie and puts a plan into action to make sure that Mr. Bingley is aware they have called on his sisters and are in town. This sets off a sequence of events that brings our couples into various meetings and it was sweet to see Jane and Bingley come to quickly recognize their mutual affection more readily without the extended delay in the original novel. I also loved seeing Bingley be more assertive about what he wants and putting his family in their place---WELL DONE Bingley!
Darcy is shocked to run into Elizabeth in town and slowly comes to realize that she will not leave his mind or heart. While at first he tries to fight his attraction, more planned and unplanned interactions force Darcy to examine his own feelings, especially when a potential competing suitor enters the picture.
Soon enough, Elizabeth and Darcy's prejudices and pride, melt away as they come to a better understanding of each other and their own internal desires. It was sweet to see how our favorite couple ultimately come to reveal their true hearts to one another. Adams is a master of dialogue that is beautiful and full of feeling and this was once again on display in this novelette. This was a lovely, quick holiday themed read that you can sit down to enjoy in one afternoon so add it to your holiday TBR and get to reading!
January 5, 2024
Despite its brevity, it’s adequate enough to quench the thirsty P&P fan
It’s rather disappointing that due to the attractiveness of brevity of this variation, the romance between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet is compromised. Much of their love affair is hurried and the story read like an ordinary historical romance with a regular boring courtship and all of not for the characters of Pride and Prejudice. The only redeeming qualities are hoe straightforward and rather blatant Elizabeth expresses herself at times and how Caroline Bingley has been adequately put in her place.
In this variation, the two eldest Bennet sisters find themselves in London after the Netherfield Ball out of necessity of the Gardiners. Given that, they find themselves in frequent company with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, as well as an infusion of new characters who helped push Elizabeth closer to an understanding with Mr. Darcy. Rather a conventional and somewhat dull historical romance.
Nevertheless, this is adequate enough to satisfy a fan of Pride and Prejudice who is in a hurry and pressed for time. A 3 1/2 rounded up to 4 stars.
It’s rather disappointing that due to the attractiveness of brevity of this variation, the romance between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet is compromised. Much of their love affair is hurried and the story read like an ordinary historical romance with a regular boring courtship and all of not for the characters of Pride and Prejudice. The only redeeming qualities are hoe straightforward and rather blatant Elizabeth expresses herself at times and how Caroline Bingley has been adequately put in her place.
In this variation, the two eldest Bennet sisters find themselves in London after the Netherfield Ball out of necessity of the Gardiners. Given that, they find themselves in frequent company with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, as well as an infusion of new characters who helped push Elizabeth closer to an understanding with Mr. Darcy. Rather a conventional and somewhat dull historical romance.
Nevertheless, this is adequate enough to satisfy a fan of Pride and Prejudice who is in a hurry and pressed for time. A 3 1/2 rounded up to 4 stars.
September 25, 2025
yet another Adams short-ish story. I've tried 8 and finished 5 (I didn't add the two I DNFed to goodreads, though)
This one was a very typical story, with two things that made it stand out from other stories:
- Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy and Miss Elizabeth trying to decide what to do about Miss Bingley's machinations and the letter she's written to Jane. Darcy was particularly angry she was spreading rumours about Georgiana being courted by Mr Bingley.
The idea is fun, but I didn't like the execution, I thought it was inappropriate that Elizabeth and even Darcy were advising to Charles Bingley what to do with his sister.
- Elizabeth's non-blood-related uncle, the brother to Mrs Gardiner. He was fun but I thought something more could've been done with his storyline, esp since the text noted he wanted to make Darcy "work for" Elizabeth's love.
other than that, the text was predictable and unremarkable.
This one was a very typical story, with two things that made it stand out from other stories:
- Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy and Miss Elizabeth trying to decide what to do about Miss Bingley's machinations and the letter she's written to Jane. Darcy was particularly angry she was spreading rumours about Georgiana being courted by Mr Bingley.
The idea is fun, but I didn't like the execution, I thought it was inappropriate that Elizabeth and even Darcy were advising to Charles Bingley what to do with his sister.
- Elizabeth's non-blood-related uncle, the brother to Mrs Gardiner. He was fun but I thought something more could've been done with his storyline, esp since the text noted he wanted to make Darcy "work for" Elizabeth's love.
other than that, the text was predictable and unremarkable.
December 17, 2023
They left Netherfield with no thought of returning. Caroline Bingley will make sure of it.
Caroline Bingley thinks she knows best for her brother, but what she really wants is what's best for her. She's set things in motion to assure Miss Jane Bennet will be resigned to a life without her brother, Charles. Oh, the lies she's told. Not to mention the fact that she didn't factor in Miss Elizabeth's love and loyalty for her sister, nor how deeply Charles loves Jane. I enjoyed this story emensly.
Caroline Bingley thinks she knows best for her brother, but what she really wants is what's best for her. She's set things in motion to assure Miss Jane Bennet will be resigned to a life without her brother, Charles. Oh, the lies she's told. Not to mention the fact that she didn't factor in Miss Elizabeth's love and loyalty for her sister, nor how deeply Charles loves Jane. I enjoyed this story emensly.
January 29, 2024
Short on machinations!
This is a lovely story. However, I'm left with a lot of questions.
- Why did Mr Madison ignore Darcy the first time they were introduced?
- What did Mr Madison have in mind when he advised Elizabeth to make Darcy work hard for her?
- What happened on the day Elizabeth visited Miss Powell?
This story falls short on mashinations. Miss Bingley's don't count, they are expected and canon! I was looking forward to more!
Lovely read regardless.
This is a lovely story. However, I'm left with a lot of questions.
- Why did Mr Madison ignore Darcy the first time they were introduced?
- What did Mr Madison have in mind when he advised Elizabeth to make Darcy work hard for her?
- What happened on the day Elizabeth visited Miss Powell?
This story falls short on mashinations. Miss Bingley's don't count, they are expected and canon! I was looking forward to more!
Lovely read regardless.
August 13, 2025
A bit too short for my liking, but still enjoyable. The change in Elizabeth's feelings for Darcy was not that convincing and felt way too quick but not surprising considering the length. Darcy is the star, i found his POV chapters enjoyable, especially his thoughts about John and his jealousy and his dialogues with Elizabeth once he decided to pursue her were endearing. But the ending felt way too fast and abrupt. Wish author had written maybe 20 more pages to give a satisfying ending
November 16, 2023
Machinations During a Holiday
What a lovely novella with some out of character action! Bingley and Elizabeth each take steps that move the story along quickly. It's a what-if story that takes place in London after the Netherfield ball.
This is an enjoyable way of spending a couple of hours with a comfy chair and a cup of hot tea.
What a lovely novella with some out of character action! Bingley and Elizabeth each take steps that move the story along quickly. It's a what-if story that takes place in London after the Netherfield ball.
This is an enjoyable way of spending a couple of hours with a comfy chair and a cup of hot tea.
November 27, 2023
Cute but short
We are dropped into London with Jane and Lizzy shortly after the Netherfield Ball, as the sisters visit to help their Aunt Gardiner. Lizzy makes sure that Bingley learns that Jane is near, Bingley grows a spine, Darcy realizes he loves Lizzy, and it is very sweet and romantic.
We are dropped into London with Jane and Lizzy shortly after the Netherfield Ball, as the sisters visit to help their Aunt Gardiner. Lizzy makes sure that Bingley learns that Jane is near, Bingley grows a spine, Darcy realizes he loves Lizzy, and it is very sweet and romantic.
December 2, 2023
A low angst Christmas romance
Shortly after the Netherfield party leaves for town after the ball, Jane and Elizabeth are summoned to town to help their Aunt Gardiner who broke her arm. Bingley shortly learns of their being in town and calls on them. Eventually Darcy agrees to join him on his call. The story line follows the relationship developments between the two couples through the calls and various events. Enjoyable.
Shortly after the Netherfield party leaves for town after the ball, Jane and Elizabeth are summoned to town to help their Aunt Gardiner who broke her arm. Bingley shortly learns of their being in town and calls on them. Eventually Darcy agrees to join him on his call. The story line follows the relationship developments between the two couples through the calls and various events. Enjoyable.
December 2, 2023
Another wonderful story by Elizabeth Adams
I always end up wishing the stories were longer so I can continue to lose myself in the story. This book has such sweet moments. It moves fast but still pulls you in. The story is in London, so no other Bennet family members. Darcy is a delight in this story.
I always end up wishing the stories were longer so I can continue to lose myself in the story. This book has such sweet moments. It moves fast but still pulls you in. The story is in London, so no other Bennet family members. Darcy is a delight in this story.
December 25, 2023
Adorable
I have read a number of P&P novellas. I think this author seemed to understand and respect the original characters. The premise for Elizabeth coming to town was a bit ridiculous and I wish that there was more of the courting included in the novelette, but overall it was cute. A fun and quick what-if read.
I have read a number of P&P novellas. I think this author seemed to understand and respect the original characters. The premise for Elizabeth coming to town was a bit ridiculous and I wish that there was more of the courting included in the novelette, but overall it was cute. A fun and quick what-if read.
November 12, 2023
Sweet story
Would have been nice to broaden the story just a tad. Seemed an abrupt end..a peek to wedding preparations, a final look at the extended family, etc. Would have been nice, but I'm a great lover for epilogues.
Would have been nice to broaden the story just a tad. Seemed an abrupt end..a peek to wedding preparations, a final look at the extended family, etc. Would have been nice, but I'm a great lover for epilogues.
November 12, 2023
A little disappointing
This weekend like it was going to be a wonderful story. It ended up being incredibly short, even for a novelette. This could’ve really turned into a wonderful, full length book.
This weekend like it was going to be a wonderful story. It ended up being incredibly short, even for a novelette. This could’ve really turned into a wonderful, full length book.
December 19, 2023
I loved it!
This was a good little novelette version of Pride of Prejudice that I enjoyed immensely. I also love how much stronger of a character Charles is in this rendition (especially with his sister).
This was a good little novelette version of Pride of Prejudice that I enjoyed immensely. I also love how much stronger of a character Charles is in this rendition (especially with his sister).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews